– Matthew 9:4
Sometimes we tend to be too nice.
When people are doing wrong, we are afraid to confront their behavior, and we choose just to be nice. When a friend is slipping into an illicit relationship or a relative is becoming an alcoholic, we ignore the situations and do not confront them. When an unsaved friend is trusting in good works for eternal life, we remain silent about Christ and His death on the cross. But believers should not compromise obedience to God’s Word just to be nice.
A US Supreme Court Justice said that "in the effort to be civil in conduct, many who know better actually dilute [their] firmly held views to avoid appearing judgmental. They curb their tongues, not only in form but also in substance. …This is not civility, it is cowardice. Or well-intentioned self-deception at best."
In Matthew 9, Jesus wasn’t concerned about being nice. He looked the Jewish teachers of the law in the eye and said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?" (v.4). Nor was He worried about being civil when He called the Pharisees "whitewashed tombs… full of dead men’s bones" (23:27). He courageously confronted them and exposed their sin.
Sometimes being nice isn’t nice.
– David C. Egner
Some will hate you, some will love you;
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man, and look above you,
Trust in God and do the right.
– Macleod
READ: Matthew 23:1-15