Brethren, why do we hate hearing the truth? We act as if we do but when it comes to the crunch and reality sets in, and then we can’t handle it. It’s easier to get defensive and offended than to admit to the truth. Nobody really wants to receive correction anymore.

Years ago, and this was in a Christian setting, I realised that quoting scripture to back up my exhortation was making some people feel very uncomfortable. They felt rebuked, admonished, chastised, and condemned. They perceived me...