STOP AND THINK – The reprover should have a lion’s stout heart, or he will not be faithful, and a lady’s soft hand, or he is not likely to be successful. (George Swinnock, 17th century Puritan preacher)
To criticize or correct someone is always a difficult and delicate task. As Swinnock suggests, it takes a courageous person to approach a friend and offer a bit of advice. It also requires someone with a sensitive spirit so that he or she addresses the friend in a gracious manner with a caring attitude of concern. Such an approach will bless and strengthen the friend.
A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17) [and always is] speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).