It is interesting that ICOC mentioned the nature of love as scripture defines it. This is the kind of thing I love to see here.
We must remember that the only time we see Jesus being very stern was towards the Pharesees. These guys should have known better, but why? The whole O.T. is an imprint and guide for the appearance of the messiah. The various festivals which were celebrated each and every year during their whole lifetime, were replete with symbolism of every kind pointing directly to Him. They went through the motions hundreds and hundreds of times. Even the marriage ritual and ceremony was a rehearsal as it were for the appearance and return of the messiah for His bride.
So these folks really had very little excuse for the ignorance and nastyness they displayed other than their selfishness and self righteousness.
On the other hand, the prostitutes, publicans and just plain ole' gentile folks who had never been privvy to the prophets and all the other tell tale hints that had been dropped on the Pharisees, were able to comprehend and receive the Love that was extended to them.
Therefore, correction was reserved for those who could be made responsible for what had been entrusted to them, not to the ones who for whatever reason had never heard nor understood previously.
Jesus never told the adulterous woman that it was o.k. for her to continue in the adultery, He simply demonstrated that God is in the business of forgiving sin and not condemming, and that it is not our right to be casting the stones. That priviledge is reserved for God alone, as He alone provided the ultimate way out, wishing that NONE should perish, and being a reconciliation for ALL things.