SF1933 and pb3048: I value both scripture and human compassion. They go hand in hand. The only way I know to make it work is to ask the Holy Spirit to help us learn the ways of Jesus. Even reading the scripture you can feel the love of Jesus as He says "Go and Sin No More" but you can also feel the difference when Jesus spoke to the Pharisees.
What is a Pharisee? One of an ancient, exclusive Jewish sect that paid excessive reguard to traditon and ceremonies, and in doing so separated themselves from the other Jews.
I hope as Christians we will always fight the spirit of offense and love ourselves enough as Christ does so we are able to "love others as ourselves". :)