Love Has A NameSýnishorn

Love Faces the Two-Faced

There’s no one I struggle to love more than “Pharisees.” No one. 

People who enjoy pointing out the shortcomings of others. People who think they are holier and better than the next person because of their (insert sarcastic tone here) deep insights, religious perfection, spiritual intensity, and eloquent words. It’s almost like they’ve never read the words of Jesus that they so boldly and proudly proclaim as true.

I probably struggle with loving Pharisees because even though I know a lot about Jesus, I know I have nothing figured out. I fail constantly. The last thing I would ever want to do is proudly point out the shortcomings in everyone else’s life.

Being even more honest though, I struggle to love Pharisees because I care deeply about what other people think of me, and I don’t want them pointing out what they view as shortcomings in me personally, in my relationship with Jesus, or in the church I pastor.

I immediately put up a wall in my heart when faced with the arrogant attitude of a Pharisee. I get defensive. And when that happens—just like a Pharisee—I stop caring about the person in front of me.

So how should we love Pharisees? Not by calling them out and becoming a Pharisee ourselves, but by lovingly facing the two-faced.

Who is it that you struggle to love? Maybe like me, Pharisees are at the top of your list, or maybe there’s another group of people, specific person, or personality trait that makes it hard for you to love someone. Whatever it is, I would tell you to follow the model Jesus set out for us. Don’t stoop to their level and do the very thing that you hate. Speak truth, but also extend love.

The good news is, Jesus can change the heart of anyone—the Pharisee, the Sinner, and even me. Let’s model a love that extends to the Pharisees in our lives, a love that Jesus first showed us, a love that faces the two-faced and shows them the grace and truth Jesus so perfectly shows to us.

Day 3 Question:

Who is it that you struggle to love most in your life? How can you practice a love that doesn’t stoop to their level, but instead speaks truth and extends love to that person or group?