By Chris King
Recently, a worship leader in Houston—known as Mahoganee—became part of a viral moment exposing the dangers of hasty public correction. During a church service at Macedonia Worship Center, Co-Pastor Cassandra Pope openly rebuked her on the spot, calling her hug “fake” in front of the congregation and saying, “I just don’t like fake stuff.”
The incident spread rapidly online, igniting debate on how church leaders handle rebuke in public forums.
In response, Mahoganee wrote:
“The way that some church leaders use scripture to demean and humiliate people needs to be studied. This is me getting fired publicly from a church that I served for the past 2 years…”
This painful public display underscores why God’s instruction to start correction privately exists—not to coddle, but to uphold dignity and love in discipline.
In today’s culture, correction is often viewed as criticism, and many shy away from addressing wrongs for fear of offending others. Yet the Bible speaks clearly about the place and purpose of open rebuke in the life of believers. Far from being harsh or unkind, biblical rebuke is an act of love, accountability, and spiritual growth.
Open Rebuke Is Better Than Hidden Love
Proverbs 27:5 declares, “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” This powerful statement shows that true love is not silent when someone is heading in the wrong direction. To say nothing while a loved one makes destructive choices is not genuine care—it is neglect. The Bible elevates open rebuke as an expression of authentic love because it seeks the good of the other person even when the truth may sting.
Correction Brings Wisdom and Growth
Throughout Scripture, rebuke is connected with wisdom. Proverbs 9:8–9 teaches that a wise person will love the one who corrects them and grow in understanding. Open rebuke, when done with humility and godly intention, becomes a tool for instruction and maturity. Instead of tearing someone down, it builds them up in righteousness.
The Example of Jesus and the Apostles
Jesus Himself openly rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23) and even corrected His disciples when they strayed from God’s will (Matthew 16:23). The Apostle Paul likewise rebuked Peter publicly in Galatians 2:11–14 when Peter’s actions contradicted the truth of the gospel. These examples show that open rebuke is not about pride or embarrassment but about protecting truth and guiding others toward godliness.
Rebuke Must Begin Privately
While open rebuke has its place, the Bible also provides guidance on how correction should be handled within the church. In Matthew 18:15–17, Jesus instructs that if a brother or sister sins, the first step is to address the matter privately. If they will not listen, then bring one or two others as witnesses. Only if the person refuses correction at that stage should the matter be brought before the church. This order ensures that rebuke is handled with care, love, and dignity—never as a way to embarrass or shame members publicly. The goal is always restoration, not humiliation.
Rebuke Must Be Done in Love
Scripture reminds us that the spirit behind correction matters. Ephesians 4:15 calls us to “speak the truth in love.” Rebuke must never come from anger, jealousy, or self-righteousness, but from a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others. When delivered with grace, rebuke can heal, restore, and strengthen relationships.
The Bible teaches that open rebuke is not an act of cruelty, but an expression of love and accountability. At the same time, it warns us to handle correction wisely, starting in private, progressing carefully, and always seeking restoration. When believers embrace correction with humility and extend it with love, God uses both encouragement and rebuke to shape us into the image of Christ.