Many have painted the gospel through the perspective of man’s compassion.  They focus on our need for hope, joy and compassion.  As is reasonable they see the suffering of man and turn the gospel toward them as a solution.

The broken hearted, the humble, and those discarded in this world, may benefit greatly from this purpose of delivery.  It is to these that the gospel of Jesus Christ finds the greatest effectiveness.  These perceive the need.  These are most pleased to hear it.  We remember it is written he who is forgiven much loves much.  And the Lord came to seek and to save those who are lost.

But that message does little to the man who is proud or rich in the things of this world.  Such men perceive a compassionate message as a license to sin.  They may well see the love of God as a weakness to be exploited.

There is another view of the gospel.  Those who are hungry for righteousness and desire what is good will find this other side of the gospel in due time.

While the gospel speaks strongly of compassion, tenderness, mercy and forgiveness, it also speaks strongly about the judgment to come.  The first is more pleasant to deliver.  And the relief it brings is sweet.  While the second is more like serving someone a glass of pure vinegar.  It is a severe test of a man’s desire.

Many preach the sweetest part of the gospel.  But let us not lay aside the severity of the coming judgement.  We do no one any favors by sugar coating the Word of God.