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  • Writer: Tonie Roberts
    Tonie Roberts
  • Jun 8, 2019
  • 2 min read

PHAR’ISEE, n. Heb. to separate. One of a sect among the Jews, whose religion consisted in a strict observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretended holiness led them to separate themselves as a sect, considering themselves as more righteous than other Jews. Definition from Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.


Based upon the statement above, are you, or have you ever been a Pharisee? Well, let me begin by admitting I have.


Unfortunately, I have looked upon the sins of others, and become bitter and judgmental. In that moment, I was a Pharisee. But this just isn’t “fair I see”, because self-examination reminds me that I sin too.

A story in Luke 7 (36-50) introduces us to Simon, a Pharisee who – until Jesus reminded him, forgot that he sinned as well.


This Pharisee invited Jesus to his home for a meal. “Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume.” (The Message Bible Version)


Her tears, I believe, expressed sorrow and regret for the life she lived, and for the love she had for Jesus. She cared not that she would be judged by Simon, the Pharisee. She had met The Savior, and in that moment nothing else mattered.


Yet, those tears had a cleansing, victorious impact. For she cried at the feet of the One who has the power to forgive, restore, heal and deliver. She cried at the feet of the One who blessed her with new life.

Simon the Pharisee’s limited vision only saw the woman’s past. Jesus saw her future.

Simon’s self-righteousness clouded his vision. He failed to follow custom and honor Jesus as his guest, neglecting to wash his feet, to greet Him with the customary kiss and to anoint Him.


Simon did not see Jesus as Lord and Savior. He thought “if” this man Jesus were a prophet, He would have known the woman was a sinner. Simon’s blinded eyes caused him to forget he too was in need of this Savior.

The love Jesus has for us is not “fair I see”, because it includes me, and you, and everyone else too, despite our sin. The love of Jesus does not bind people with a past. It releases them to write His-tory, to live abundantly, to love Jesus. And to love others. It’s the kind of love that’s not fair, but thank God we can see, and love.


Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I was a Pharisee help me to love you so much that my eyes and heart are open to love, not judge those around me. May I always remember that I am saved by grace, and as Your Ambassador, extend this grace to others that they too would be saved, for your love isn’t fair I see, it’s fabulous. Make me more like you. In Jesus name. Amen.

  • Writer: Tonie Roberts
    Tonie Roberts
  • Nov 7, 2017
  • 3 min read

I've heard it said that it takes more faith to believe that God doesn't exist, than to believe that He does. It's quite true. For if one believes that an organ as small as an eye can capture the sun and the moon, all on its on, great faith has been demonstrated.

Ironically, the Bible states “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” ‭‭ (Romans‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬) http://bible.com/111/rom.1.20.niv

If people are without excuse, and know that God does exist, how can anyone " not believe". The Bible actually addresses this as well. “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.”(Romans‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

In other words, some people refuse to acknowledge God despite the evidence, and resist worshipping Him as God. They worship other gods. People who reject God, think of foolish ideas of what God is like. Some say God accepts every religion and everyone has a place in heaven. Some don't want to accept the fact that God is holy and perfect and He hates our sin. Some say they are their own God.

But what happens when people reject the true and living God who so loved the world that He gave us His only Son Jesus to die for our sins; the God who created heaven and earth? (John 3:16, Genesis1)

“So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/rom.1.24-25.nlt

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:26-27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/rom.1.26-27.nkjv

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:28-31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/rom.1.28-31.nkjv

How should believers respond to unbelievers who have refused to accept the true and living God? We remember. Remember that the righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:22-23). Remember. All includes you and me too. Remember the greatest two commandments are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.(Mark 12:30-31) Remember that you are God's ambassador.(II Corinthians 5:20) You represent the gospel of love. This is how believers respond to unbelief. We remember!

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