It is very difficult , as Jeff says, to sometimes accurately gauge the tone of what is being said in this medium of communication.

Something that would be heard and understood as a moderately toned, but direct statement when the spoken word was actually heard can come across as rude when read in this format.

This problem can be compounded when the writer in naturally forthrite and direct in speech, and tends towards sarcasm in humour. Thats me all over, but most Australians are like this and I know that this can make me /us sound much more rude to American ears than is intended.

But lets not lose sight of the fact that Jesus didnt just prance around the country side trying his best to make friends with everyone. When required, he was very critical of people when correcting them, he really unloaded on the scribes and Pharisees in Math. chap 23, for example.

Sometimes people need to be corrected and insructed in a vigorous ( but loving ) manner.

Fundy