Hi people-
Thing is tho, no one can claim to know another's motives. Jesus declared we can tell the "root" of a tree, by the "Fruit" it bears.
There are possibly millions of people trying to do right in this world, who are still lost to God. Many have been decieved by false teachings. This is why Jesus also declares- "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
The Sanhedrin taught the Jewish people as a whole, mostly legalistic- (by actions), not by moral standards. Thats why Jesus tells us we can only tell who is influencing people, by the outward signs they produce.
Not only that, but Jesus tells us to love everyone, even those who hate us. Why? Because, we don't know what thier motives are. They may be believing right in thier heart, but by psychological deception, thinking wrong.
I've had personal dealings with people holding alot of anger and been beaten enough by some, only to find out they were hurting and needed and cried out for help, but no one listened because of fear of the physical "fruit" they were demonstrating.
Thus, we cannot judge thier motives either, but only be able to tell the "root" influence, by the "fruit" they bear. Just because Satan has a hold over them psychologically, does not mean thier heart is evil too.
Look at the Apostle Paul- greatest persecutor of God's Children up to his time. Yet, God knew his heart. This is why, God, thru Christ appearing to him, was able to get thru that darkness in his mind, to the good hidden in his heart.
If God knew, as with so many others as Abraham told the Richman, Paul would never accept the Truth, God would not have chosen him for Conversion and Apostleship.
I pray this helps-
God Bless!!