'Sometimes church leaders will ask me to tell them how they can engage of controversial issues, usually related to the Sexual Revolution, without appearing mean or evil. I always respond that I can't do that. If they stand for biblical principles, and if they call people to repentance, they will indeed seem to be mean, and bigoted and evil. Jesus told us to expect this. "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master," he said. "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they malign those of his household." (Matt.10:24-25). The issue is whether we actually are mean or evil. That's what we can control.
Moreover, a convictional kindness means a doubling of one's potential criticizers. Those who don't like the gospel call to repentance will resent the conviction, and those who don't like the gospel drive to mission will resent the kindness.'
Russell Moore, Onward, p.196.
