DID JESUS LOVE THEM

by Kevin Rutherford

When Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees He made some very harsh and critical statements (Matthew 23). He called them hypocrites, blind guides, fools, serpents, a brood of vipers, and even sons of hell. I can’t see how His language could have been much stronger. Jesus clearly showed us that some religious people are wrong, and some of those who are wrong are that way because they have terrible attitudes.

We must speak the truth in a loving way (Ephesians 4:15). We must speak the truth with meekness (1 Peter 3:15). But speaking the truth in love does not mean we compromise the truth. Speaking the truth in love does not mean we fail to reprove and rebuke as well as exhort (2 Timothy 4:2).

Speaking the truth in love does not mean we will fail to preach the whole counsel of God whether people like or not (Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:1-4).

Certainly those who preach the truth must watch their attitudes and be careful about the manner in which they speak (1 John 3:18-20). However, one must not be so afraid to offend someone that he will not tell them the truth. Do you suppose Jesus loved those scribes and Pharisees to whom He spoke so strongly? Of course He did (Matthew 23:37)!