Romans 15:14, commentary and pictures

Paul was persuaded that fellow believers could themselves be full of goodness and filled with all knowledge, so that they were able also to counsel and correct and admonish one another. Fitness for that mutual service depends on a sanctified mind and sanctified speech, and only when both brain power and talent of speech are sanctified are believers fitted to serve. When all God-given powers are cleansed and sanctified, believers clear the path for every working agency and come into working order and into perfect unity with one another.

Even when believers are able to admonish one another, ministers still need to write and speak boldly to put them in mind. That bold reminding belongs to the grace God gives His workers as they stand in their lot and place with different gifts and talents as laborers together with God for the perfecting of the saints and the edifying of the body in unity. This admonishing is to be done gently and tenderly and helpfully, with believers praying with and for one another as they seek unity. It is done while putting away everything that would keep them from entering and following the narrow path that leads upward to eternal life and heaven.

Admonishing one another is compatible with Christian life, but it must not become backbiting and faultfinding and evil speaking and criticism, and must not damage another person's influence. That means guarding the door of the lips against any unadvised or provoking word, and refusing to hear or join criticism and faultfinding. It means speaking kindly and tenderly so that refreshment and blessing come to the heart, confessing one's own sins and seeking forgiveness instead of bringing charges against others. It means keeping silent when spoken to harshly, for silence under harsh speech is the greatest rebuke to the faultfinder. It means keeping the eye fixed on Jesus, who never finds fault except to lay open perils from which He would deliver.