Beyond niceness

I read this passage in my daily readings this morning:

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn divisive people once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

I can’t help but think that churches were not as polite back in apostolic days as they are now. Paul seemed to name names and deal publicly with situations. I don’t know of any church where divisive people are dealt with in the way that Paul describes. I’m thinking through the implications, especially relating to the pastoral “niceness” that seems to be the norm these days. Not sure I’ve got it quite figured out yet. Update: Don’t read too far between the lines. I’m not wrestling with  a specific situation, more with myself. I tend to be on the diplomatic side; Paul sometimes named names. I’m trying to figure out how to balance the gentleness and respect that Paul talked about with frank honesty.