April 30, 2023 No Offense Week 3
Blind-Spot
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, (tax) rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
Proud people don’t love well
Our Pride is always in our Blind-Spot
... Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1
Jesus didn’t make people feel wrong
He made them feel loved
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:33-35
I’m Right
Feel Morally Superior
Become Judgmental
Easily Angered and Offended
I’m Forgiven
Feel Profound Gratitude
Become More Accepting
Overflowing With Love
Discussion questions:
Name some examples when Pride is presented as a good thing. (modern, social, culture - heroes, fighters, characters)
Why do you think our own pride is so hard to see in ourselves?
Can you think of a time when you acted out of pride?
What can you do this week to move toward Humility?
How can we stay in a posture of Gratitude?
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