St. Thomas Aquinas comes. He says: “Praise be to Jesus. I have come to confirm to you that there is a distinct difference between admonishing the sinner which is a spiritual work of mercy, and criticism. The first arises as a loving warning designed to build up the Body of Christ. Criticism is a judgment which rises from a tumultuous heart and bears the fruit of disunity. Criticism forms in a heart not seeking the welfare of its target, but imagining motives of actions and accepting these as Truth. The heart that does not recognize this negative criticism as an evil inspiration is easily deceived in believing his criticism is an admonition designed to build up rather than tear down.”

“There is a fine line of discernment here, but a vast difference in the fruits of each action. A loving admonition can be easily accepted and acted upon. A negative criticism wounds and fosters resentment.”

“This is why each soul must learn to act and speak only out of Holy Love.”