ACC ~ 2 Timothy 2 v25a

ANGER NO EXCUSE. CHRYSOSTOM: Therefore, let us not be provoked with these men, let us not use anger as an excuse, but let us talk with them gently and with kindness. Nothing is more forceful and effective than treatment which is gentle and kind. This is why Paul told us to hold fast to such conduct with all the earnestness of our hearts when he said, “The servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kindly toward all.” He did not say “only to your brothers” but “toward all.” And again, when he said, “Let your gentleness be known,” he did not say “to your brothers” but “to all men.” What good does it do you, he means, if you love those who love you. ON THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF GOD 1.7.

AVOID THE TONE OF INSULT. AUGUSTINE: But then in the correction and repression of other men’s sins, one must take heed that in rebuking another he does not lift up himself. The sentence of the apostle must be remembered: “Let one who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” Let the voice of chiding sound outwardly in tones of terror, let the spirit of love and gentleness be maintained within. … So then you must neither consent to evil, so as to approve of it, nor be negligent, so as not to reprove it, nor be proud, so as to reprove it in a tone of insult. SERMONS ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 38.20.

WISE ADMONISHMENT. BASIL THE GREAT: The superior should not administer a rebuke to wrongdoers when his own passions are aroused. By admonishing a brother with anger and indignation, he does not free him from his faults but involves himself in the error. … Nor should he become vehemently angry even when he himself is treated with contempt. When he sees such treatment inflicted upon another, he should again show himself indulgent toward the sinner; but more than that, he ought, in the latter case, to manifest displeasure at the wrong done. THE LONG RULES, Q.50.R.

2 Tim