Reproach, Dispute

Jesus makes a harsh reproach to Peter who wanted him not to live his Passion (Get behind me, Satan) - James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum

Jesus teaches that it is generally good to yield in disputes. Likewise, reproaches made to sinners must be done with patience and affection, without bitterness.

In "The Gospel as Revealed to Me"

• If in all disputes the more moderate one knew how to yield and not stubbornly insist on being right, and showed conciliatory spirit by splitting the object of the dispute in two even if, I admit, his claims were justified, it would be better and more holy.
• Jesus speaks to Martha about Mary Magdalene: "It is an implicit reproach. One must not make it. She comes out of the flames, she is only wounds. One must touch her only with the balms of gentleness, of forgiveness, of hope..."
• The 12 works of mercy of the body and spirit: To admonish sinners.
• If your brother is found guilty of fault against you, go and find him alone and show him his fault. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15-17).

In foundational Christian texts

In the Bible

• Legislation on fights and disputes.

Notes and references

Note: Quotations from the work of Maria Valtorta on this page currently use machine-translated text and will gradually be replaced by the official English translation. Until then, the official translation may be consulted through the reference link provided with each quotation.