Christ pointed out that their verdict was both an arbitrary and superficial one. It is the motive which largely determines the value of an act, and it is sinful to guess at the motives of others. Moreover, the reign of law must not be suffered to freeze the milk of human kindness in our veins, nor make us impervious to human suffering. There is a twofold danger to be guarded against. First, to form too favorable a judgment of people, particularly of those who profess to be Christians.
Words are cheap, and gushiness is never a mark of reality.
That a man calls himself a Christian, and sincerely thinks himself to be so, does not make him one. The fact that he is a great reader of the Bible, a regular attender of religious services, and is sound in his morals, is no proof that he has been born again. It is our own fault it we are imposed upon by wolves in sheep s clothing. On the other hand, there is just as real a danger of forming too harsh a judgment of people, and imputing to hypocrisy what is genuine. A man is not to be made an offender for a word, nor does he deserve to be snubbed because he fails to fawn upon and flatter you.