Rebuking someone biblically means correcting them in truth while showing love and grace. It is not about attacking or shaming but guiding them back to righteousness. Scripture supports rebuke as a necessary part of spiritual growth (Proverbs 27:5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
A biblical rebuke should come from a heart that seeks restoration, not condemnation. It requires wisdom, patience, and humility. Without these, correction can do more harm than good. This guide will outline how to rebuke in a way that honors God, strengthens relationships, and encourages repentance. Every step should be done with prayer and careful consideration.
Understanding Biblical Rebuke
Biblical rebuke is correcting someone based on God’s truth, not personal feelings or opinions. It is an act of love that seeks to restore, not to tear down. Proverbs 27:5 says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love,” showing that correction is a sign of true care. Scripture teaches that rebuke is part of spiritual growth and maturity. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains that God’s Word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Ignoring sin or error harms both the individual and the body of Christ.
A biblical rebuke must be rooted in truth, not pride or anger. Many people fear confrontation, but avoiding correction allows sin to spread. The Bible calls believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Jesus rebuked His disciples when they were wrong, but He did so to instruct and strengthen them. Paul corrected churches with boldness, but his goal was always to bring them back to God’s standard. Rebuke is not about personal preference but about aligning with God’s will.
Correcting others requires wisdom, patience, and discernment. Not every situation requires a strong rebuke; sometimes, gentle guidance is enough. James 5:19-20 reminds believers that bringing someone back from sin saves them from destruction. The goal is always restoration, not punishment. When done in the right way, rebuke strengthens faith, deepens relationships, and keeps the church spiritually healthy.
The Right Heart for Rebuke
Rebuking someone without the right heart can do more harm than good. Before correcting others, believers must examine their own lives. Jesus warned against hypocrisy in Matthew 7:3-5, asking, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye?” Self-examination helps ensure that rebuke comes from humility, not self-righteousness. A person who corrects others must first be willing to correct themselves. Without this step, rebuke can become judgmental rather than helpful.
Love and restoration must be the focus of any biblical rebuke. Galatians 6:1 instructs believers to restore those caught in sin “with a gentle spirit.” The goal is not to shame or condemn but to bring someone back to obedience. Harsh correction can push people further away, but loving rebuke encourages repentance. Correction should never come from frustration, pride, or a desire to prove someone wrong. It should always come from a heart that wants to help others grow in their faith.
Prayer is essential before rebuking someone. James 1:5 tells believers to ask God for wisdom, and that includes wisdom in correction. Rushing into rebuke without prayer can lead to unnecessary conflict. Prayer helps prepare the heart, ensuring that correction is done with patience and grace. It also invites the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation. True biblical rebuke is not just about saying the right words but about having the right heart behind them.
How to Rebuke Someone Biblically with Love and Grace
#1. Pray for Wisdom and Guidance
Before confronting someone, prayer is the first and most important step. James 1:5 instructs believers to ask God for wisdom, and this is crucial when correcting others. Rebuking without prayer can lead to unnecessary conflict, hurt feelings, and even sin. Prayer helps align the heart with God’s will, ensuring that the correction is rooted in truth and love. It also allows the Holy Spirit to guide the words spoken so that they lead to restoration, not division.
Seeking God’s wisdom before rebuke also provides clarity on whether correction is needed. Not every situation requires direct confrontation, and sometimes patience and prayer alone are enough. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds believers to trust in the Lord rather than relying on their own understanding. Asking God for discernment ensures that rebuke is given at the right time and in the right way.
#2. Examine Yourself First
Before pointing out another person’s faults, self-examination is necessary. Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:3-5 that a person must remove the “log” from their own eye before addressing the “speck” in someone else’s. This means checking for personal sin and making sure the rebuke does not come from pride, hypocrisy, or personal frustration. A person who refuses to confront their own shortcomings has no right to correct others.
Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 11:28 that believers should examine themselves regularly. If sin is present in one’s own life, it must be confessed and repented of before rebuking someone else. This does not mean that a person must be perfect to rebuke, but their correction should come from a place of humility and sincerity. When rebuke is done with a clean heart, it is more likely to be received well.
#3. Rebuke in Private First
Correction should begin in private. Matthew 18:15 teaches that if a brother sins, he should be approached privately to give him a chance to repent without embarrassment. Public correction can lead to shame, defensiveness, and damaged relationships. A private setting allows for honest conversation and reduces the risk of turning rebuke into humiliation.
A private rebuke shows love and care rather than a desire to expose someone’s faults. It also helps build trust and allows the person to respond openly. If correction is done publicly when it could have been handled privately, it may create resentment instead of repentance. Handling it with discretion reflects wisdom and respect.
#4. Use Scripture, Not Personal Opinion
Biblical rebuke should always be grounded in Scripture, not personal preferences or opinions. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. A rebuke without biblical backing may come across as controlling or judgmental. God’s Word carries authority, while personal feelings do not.
Using Scripture also helps prevent misunderstanding. People may argue against personal opinions, but they cannot argue against God’s truth. When rebuking, referencing relevant Bible verses ensures that the correction aligns with God’s standards, not human preferences. The goal is not to win an argument but to guide someone back to obedience.
#5. Speak with Love and Gentleness
Rebuke should always be given with a spirit of love and gentleness. Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to speak the truth in love. Harsh words can make a person defensive, but gentle correction is more likely to be received well. The way something is said matters just as much as what is said.
Gentleness does not mean weakness. It means approaching the situation with patience and a genuine desire to help. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Correcting with kindness increases the chance of a positive outcome.
#6. Be Direct but Gracious
A biblical rebuke should be clear and direct. Vague corrections can be confusing, and sugarcoating sin can prevent true repentance. Jesus was direct when rebuking others, but He always did so with grace. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” This means correction should be truthful but not harsh.
Direct rebuke ensures there is no misunderstanding about what needs to change. However, it should not be rude or condemning. Balancing truth with grace allows the person to see the seriousness of the issue while also feeling encouraged to change.
#7. Allow for a Response
Rebuking is not just about speaking; it also involves listening. Proverbs 18:13 warns against answering before listening, calling it foolishness. When correcting someone, they should be given a chance to explain or ask questions. A rebuke should lead to a conversation, not just a lecture.
Allowing a response also helps ensure the correction is fair. There may be details unknown to the one giving the rebuke. Listening shows respect and makes it more likely that the rebuke will be accepted rather than rejected.
#8. Bring Witnesses if Necessary
If a person refuses to listen to private correction, the next step is to bring one or two others as witnesses. Matthew 18:16 states, “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” This helps ensure fairness and accountability.
Bringing witnesses is not about ganging up on someone but about confirming the correction is valid. Witnesses should be mature believers who can help mediate the situation. Their presence can add weight to the rebuke and encourage the person to take it seriously.
#9. Take It to Church Leadership if Needed
If a person still refuses correction, the matter should be taken to church leadership. Matthew 18:17 instructs that if someone refuses to listen even after multiple corrections, they should be brought before the church. This step is necessary for maintaining the integrity of the church community.
Church leaders are responsible for shepherding the congregation and addressing sin that harms the body of Christ. If private and small-group correction fails, leaders must step in to handle the situation appropriately. This ensures that sin is addressed in a way that aligns with biblical teaching.
#10. Encourage Repentance and Offer Support
The goal of rebuke is not just to point out sin but to encourage repentance and growth. James 5:19-20 says that bringing someone back from sin saves their soul. Correction without guidance leaves a person feeling lost, but support and encouragement help them move forward.
After rebuke, it is important to walk alongside the person as they seek to change. Offering prayer, accountability, and encouragement strengthens them in their faith. True biblical correction does not end with pointing out wrongdoing; it continues with helping a person grow in righteousness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rebuking Someone
#1. Being Judgmental Instead of Loving
Rebuke should come from a place of love, not self-righteousness. Romans 14:13 warns believers not to pass judgment on one another but to avoid being a stumbling block. If correction is done with a superior attitude, it will likely be rejected. The purpose of rebuke is to restore, not to condemn or make oneself feel morally superior.
A judgmental attitude can turn a necessary rebuke into an attack. Jesus rebuked sinners, but He also showed them grace and pointed them toward repentance. A rebuke should reflect Christ’s love, aiming to guide someone back to righteousness, not push them away.
#2. Rebuking Without Self-Examination
Luke 6:42 warns against correcting others while ignoring personal sin. A person who rebukes without self-examination risks hypocrisy. Before correcting someone, believers should evaluate whether they have addressed their own shortcomings. This does not mean they must be perfect, but they should be actively seeking to follow God’s commands.
A rebuke given without humility is less likely to be received well. When a person corrects others while excusing their own faults, it damages credibility. True biblical rebuke requires a heart that is first willing to be corrected by God.
#3. Publicly Shaming Someone Instead of Correcting Them Privately
Correction should be handled with discretion whenever possible. Matthew 18:15 teaches that rebuke should start in private. Public rebuke can cause embarrassment and lead to resentment instead of repentance. Public shaming focuses on exposing faults rather than restoring the person.
There may be times when public rebuke is necessary, such as when a leader’s actions harm the church. However, in most cases, private correction is the wisest approach. It shows care for the individual while also addressing the issue effectively.
#4. Failing to Listen and Engage in a Conversation
A rebuke should not be a one-sided lecture. Proverbs 18:13 warns against speaking before listening, calling it foolishness. When correcting someone, it is important to give them a chance to respond, ask questions, or explain their situation.
Listening demonstrates humility and a willingness to understand. Sometimes, what appears to be sin may be a misunderstanding or a struggle the person is already working on. Engaging in conversation, rather than just delivering correction, fosters trust and encourages genuine repentance.
Closing Thoughts
Biblical rebuke is not about tearing someone down but about guiding them toward righteousness. Correction, when done with wisdom, love, and humility, can strengthen relationships and encourage spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:5 reminds us that “open rebuke is better than hidden love,” showing that true care involves addressing sin rather than ignoring it. However, rebuke must always be rooted in Scripture, delivered with gentleness, and aimed at restoration.
Every believer has a responsibility to help others stay on the right path, but this must be done with the right heart and method. Harsh or careless correction can do more harm than good. By following biblical principles—praying first, examining oneself, using Scripture, and prioritizing love—rebuke can become a tool for building up rather than breaking down. When correction is handled in a Christlike manner, it leads to repentance, healing, and stronger faith.