For Jesus, clarity on the conduct and spirit of the law is inseparable. The law plays a role in shaping attitudes and nurturing self-respect, especially for people in authority. Pride and envy must not seep into our mind and manner when rectifying issues. For with power comes responsibility.

The "woes" that Jesus spoke about would also befall us if we forget that authority comes with responsibility. The "woes" exempt no one, not even to the keepers of the law. When we deceive ourselves by using power to do what God wants of us, we will soon have no qualms about adding heavy burdens to those who are under our care. Like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, their superiority turns to insecurity and then to envy, when confronted by Jesus' good work of raising the lowly and teaching with authority.

Our attitudes cannot be dictated by personal vendettas, especially when power is manipulated in accordance with what God wants us to do. In exercising the authority given to us, do we go beyond the good we can give? St. Paul emphasized to the Galatians then, and to each of us today, to be aware of the fruits of the spirit that we plant in our hearts. Is it an evil or a good fruit?