What basis does a leader have for being assertive?

Matthew 23:23-24“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!”

Jesus was often assertive in his relationship with the Pharisees and other religious leaders. Assertiveness means standing up for right or making known our concerns. So we can be assertive on the basis of the authority of God’s Word and our commitment to his righteousness. We will be tempted, at times, to be quiet or look the other way when others are making unethical choices or speaking or behaving in offensive, inappropriate ways. But we must stand up for what we believe and lovingly confront others when necessary. Assertiveness, however, must be as courageous in love as it is bold in confrontation.