Love does not... behave rudely

One of the things that I remember from my uni Christian fellowship days is the fondly used term - "Radical Love". This was in the late 90's when many people were trying to be 'radical' and 'different' especially in enticing the young people into churches or para-church organisations. While the more liberal styled professors of Christianity tend to view radical love in emphasis on social works, we have the conservative believers who view it as 'speaking the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15). Unfortunately for them, in their minds, it is more like "speaking the truth... in love" (emphasis mine). Here are Christian believers believing that it is all right to be blunt and rude - to slap sense to their 'beloved' brethren. The sad truth is that in family lives, there are many who speak to each other in an abusive, rude manner. Name-calling and even at the spur of the moment, cuss words are uttered. All these are justifiable by the one who utters them with the claim - "I did it for love". Friends, if the Lord Jesus Christ controls Himself in His rebukes and rejection of the high and mighty Pharisees and tempers His own anger by showing mercy to His enemies, what more should we do for our brethren if we declare ourselves His disciples? Let love truly be with politeness and care rather than the harsh tones of arrogance and pride. Let love be not rude!