Dr. Hatt posted a followup -
“More thoughts on my last post …
Young men, especially those who are bold, serious about truth, and eager to defend the church, hear this carefully.
Some of you have discovered that the Bible contains sharp rebukes, public confrontations, and strong language against error. You see Jesus say, ‘Get behind me, Satan,’ and Paul opposing Peter to his face, and something in you says, ‘Finally, this justifies the way I’ve been speaking.‘
But you are in danger of learning the wrong lesson.
Yes, Scripture contains moments of severe public rebuke, but those moments are not a blank check for harshness. They are not permission to speak recklessly, to humiliate, or to enjoy tearing others down in the name of ‘boldness.’
The same Bible that records sharp words also commands:
’The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone ... correcting his opponents with gentleness.’ (2 Timothy 2:24-25)
’Speak the truth in love.’ (Ephesians 4:15)
’Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression … restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself.’ (Galatians 6:1)
If your version of ‘faithfulness’ has no place for gentleness, patience, and self-examination, it is not biblical, it is incomplete at best, and sinful at worst.
You are also quoting apostles without reckoning with what made them trustworthy. Jesus knew hearts perfectly, Paul was uniquely appointed to guard the gospel itself, and neither spoke out of insecurity, pride, or a desire to win arguments.
Can you say the same?
Because Scripture also says:
’The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.’ (James 1:20)
It is entirely possible to say true things in a way that is deeply un-Christlike.
And if we’re honest, some of you are not grieved over sin, you are energized by the chance to call it out. You are not weeping like Paul did over those in error (Philippians 3:18) ; you are sharpening your words for the next public takedown.
That is not courage, it’s immaturity dressed up as conviction.
Yes, there is a place for public rebuke when sin is public and dangerous. But even then, the goal is never to crush, it is to restore, to protect, and to honor Christ.
’Let all that you do be done in love.’ (1 Corinthians 16:14)
So examine yourself.
Do you speak this way reluctantly or eagerly? Are you aiming to restore, or to win? Is your tone shaped by love, or by frustration and pride?
Be bold, the church needs men who will stand on truth.
But tremble while you speak.
Because the line between faithful rebuke and sinful harshness is thinner than you think, and far too many are crossing it while quoting Bible verses to justify themselves.”