We’ve been talking about how to live in a world where people can be incredibly offensive and, at the same time, easily offended. God’s Word calls us to search our hearts and ask God to show us where we’re offensive, where we’re easily offended, and what we need to shake off so we can live in a God-honoring way. Today’s focus is another offense we must let go of—one that’s not only offensive to others, but offensive to God: the pride of being “right.” Jesus addressed this in Luke 18, telling a story about a Pharisee and a tax collector—one convinced of his own righteousness, and one humbly aware of his own sin.

The Pharisee loudly declared his goodness, listing his spiritual accomplishments, while the tax collector stood at a distance, unable to look up, crying out for mercy. Jesus shocked everyone when He said the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified. The point wasn’t simply who was right or wrong; it was pride versus humility. Proud people don’t love well. And if we’re honest, it’s easy for believers today to slip into that same mindset—certain we’re right, offended by what others post, how they vote, or how they live. Live offended long enough and contempt grows, and instead of caring about people, we start despising them. That’s never a good place for a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus cares about truth, but He also cares about humility. Throughout Scripture, people who were broken, sinful, or struggling were drawn to Jesus because He didn’t make them feel wrong; He made them feel loved. He defended the woman caught in adultery. He welcomed sinners, tax collectors, and the spiritually messy. Jesus was the most right, yet the least judgmental. He led with grace, mercy, and love. He knew that no one is changed by being shamed, condemned, or called out, but people are changed when they’re loved, encouraged, and pointed toward the One who can forgive and restore.

Jesus said the world will know we’re His disciples not by how right we are, how loudly we shout, or what we’re against, but by the way we love. Pride creates a cycle of moral superiority, judgment, and mistreatment. But humility produces compassion, grace, and a life that mirrors Jesus. As the body of Christ, we’re called to shine His light, lead with love, and welcome people with whatever brokenness they bring. Jesus didn’t call us to be right—He called us to be loving. And when we lead with love, we become more like Him, and that’s what truly brings about change in our lives and in the lives He wants us to influence.

Scriptures – Luke 18:9-14 (NIV); Jeremiah 17:9 (MEV); John 13:1, 34-35 (NIV); John 8:7-8, 10-11 (NLT); 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NRSVUE)

Verses – If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions and if I hand over my body so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Co 13:1-3)

Discussion – Why do you think it’s so easy for believers today to slip into a Pharisaical mind-set of being right instead of being humble? What are some signs that pride or spiritual superiority might be creeping into our hearts or attitudes? How does Jesus’ response to sinners and broken people challenge the way we often respond to those we disagree with? What is something you personally may need to “shake off” so you can reflect Jesus with more humility and compassion?

Prayer – Lord, search our hearts and show us where pride has taken root. Teach us to walk in humility, to love others the way Jesus loved, and to let go of the need to always be right. Give us grace-filled words, compassionate attitudes, and a spirit that leads with love. Make us more like You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.