On Censuring Others

Bede the Venerable 673-735

When anyone censures those who are apostates and shows that they are worthy of condemnation, he ought to act with fear, lest perhaps something of this sort happen to him or those close to him whom he loves; and, also anyone who chastises another and snatches him from the fire of his vices ought to look to himself, for fear he himself also may be tempted; And anyone who has mercy on a neighbor who repents, in his own case also, he ought of necessity to act circumspectly, lest he be perhaps either severe or more devoted than is just. (Commentary on Jude, 25)