As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
(Revelation 3:19 NKJV)
Are you tired of people taking offense when you share the gospel truth? Walk into any church today, and you might receive anything from sloppy sentimentality to offensive condemnation. Some err on the side of love while others present the truth harshly. When we take a close look at Jesus, we will see the perfect mix.
When Jesus fellowshipped with the common folks of Israel, He healed with compassion. In John chapter eight, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus, accusing her of adultery. They were testing Jesus as usual, seeking desperately for something to accuse Jesus with.
Jesus didn’t say a word as He stooped down to write on the ground, using His finger. No one knows what Jesus wrote, but one-by-one, the woman’s accusers walked away, leaving her alone with Jesus. Jesus mercifully told her to go and sin no more (John 8:11).
Jesus dealt with the Jewish leaders using a different tone. They were the religious elite of the day, the scribes and Pharisees. Matthew chapter twenty-three is just one passage that reveals Jesus’ warning about these “Hypocrites.” But we find something interesting when Jesus dealt with a Jewish leader one-on-one.
Jairus, a Jewish leader, sought out Jesus and begged Him to heal his sick daughter. By the time Jesus reached Jairus’ home, she no longer had any life left in her. Jesus raised her from the dead (Matt. 9:18-19).
Jesus never condemned Jairus. Jesus also had a cordial conversation with Nicodemus, another Pharisee. These men obviously trusted Jesus, because He knew the hearts of men.
In Mark 10:17, the rich, young ruler approached Jesus with great respect. This man blindly believed he had kept all the commandments since his youth.
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21 NKJV)
Typical Pharisee! His love for money exceeded his love for Jesus. Even though Jesus loved these rulers, He often demonstrated what some consider as a harsh and judgmental tone.
We wrongly believe that love is void of confrontation and correction. When we compare all these Scriptures, we cannot deny the fact that genuine Christian love always includes the truth, no matter how contentious it seems.
Love without truth is a passport to hell, and as Christians, we want to direct souls to heaven. If you are accused of being unloving, ask yourself these questions:
* Did I deliver my message in a loving tone?
* Did I give them the truth?
Would you want a doctor to encourage you and love you rather than telling you that you have a terminal cancer? The same is true with the gospel. Let’s ensure we love like Jesus loved.
Lord, help me share Your truth in love. Don’t allow me to sugar coat it and falsely lead people into hell. Pour out Your conviction upon them and prepare their hearts for what I have to say. Cover this all under the blood of Jesus. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
Are you surprised by the words of Jesus? What benefits are gained by the method Jesus used?
RELATED RESOURCE
4 Books for $20!! Click here!
Originally posted on December 18, 2020 @ 3:10 am