How can we avoid the Pharisees' mistake of lacking love for God? Recognizing the Warning “But I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you.” (John 5:42) Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ flaw: outward religiosity without inward affection. The same danger stalks every believer today. Why the Pharisees Missed It • They prized human approval above divine approval (John 5:44). • They knew Scripture academically but resisted its Author (John 5:39-40). • Tradition eclipsed the clear commands of God (Mark 7:8-9). Safeguards for Our Hearts • Anchor everything in the greatest command: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) • Let obedience flow from affection, not mere duty: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) • Pursue humility—God dwells with the contrite, not the self-righteous (Isaiah 57:15). • Submit every motive to Scripture’s searchlight: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Remember love’s primacy: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) Pursuing Love through the Gospel • Gaze often at the cross—there God’s love is displayed (Romans 5:8). • Receive, then reciprocate: “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) • Depend on the Spirit: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5) Daily Practices that Keep Love Warm 1. Start each day with thankful worship—verbally acknowledge God’s goodness. 2. Read Scripture devotionally, not just informationally; ask, “What does this reveal about God’s heart?” 3. Pray relationally—speak and listen, not merely list requests (Philippians 4:6-7). 4. Serve unseen—acts done “in secret” train the soul to seek God’s praise, not man’s (Matthew 6:1-4). 5. Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly to guard tenderness (1 John 1:9). 6. Foster fellowship—others’ testimonies ignite our own affection (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living Out a Love-Filled Faith • Let love govern interpretation: doctrines are meant to deepen affection, not inflate pride. • Measure success by growing likeness to Christ—full of “grace and truth” (John 1:14). • Expect opposition; keep loving anyway (Matthew 5:44). Staying close to the heart of God ensures we never repeat the Pharisees’ tragic mistake. |
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