A few days ago I was walking in my neighborhood when a small dog started to follow me. Concerned that the little fellow would stray too far from his home and not be able to find his way back, I turned and, in a harsh tone, said, “Go home!” I doubt that he understood my words, but he got the point—I didn’t want him to go in the wrong direction.

Sometimes we might have to speak harshly to people who are headed in the wrong direction. Otherwise, they might not understand the gravity of the situation, and they might not heed our warning.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”—Colossians 3:16.