In Christianity, many people strive to follow Jesus’ teachings closely, aiming to live with love, kindness, and honesty.
However, some behaviors seen today don’t quite match up with what Jesus taught. Here are behaviors that stray from Jesus’ core principles of love and compassion that are often criticized the most.
1. Judgmental Attitudes
Jesus emphasized love and compassion, urging followers not to judge others harshly (Matthew 7:1-2). Judgmental attitudes, however, can foster exclusion and condemnation rather than understanding and grace.
2. Hypocrisy
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, pointing out their outward displays of piety while neglecting justice and mercy (Matthew 23:27-28). When Christians engage in behavior that contradicts their professed beliefs, they mirror this hypocrisy.
3. Excessive Materialism
Jesus taught about the dangers of storing up treasures on Earth and encouraged a focus on spiritual wealth (Matthew 6:19-21). An excessive focus on material possessions and wealth contradicts this teaching and can lead to greed and idolatry.
4. Intolerance
Jesus promoted love for all people, including those who are different or marginalized (Luke 10:25-37). Intolerance towards others based on race, gender, or religion is contrary to the inclusive love Jesus advocated.
5. Aggressive Evangelism
While Jesus commissioned his followers to spread the Gospel, He did so with an emphasis on love and respect (Matthew 28:19). Aggressive or coercive methods of evangelism can contradict the spirit of love and respect Jesus demonstrated.
6. Exclusion of the Poor & Marginalized
Jesus showed a special concern for the poor, the sick, and the outcasts (Luke 4:18-19). Excluding or neglecting these groups within the Christian community runs counter to Jesus’ message of inclusivity and care for the marginalized.
7. Violence & Aggression
Jesus taught nonviolence and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). Engaging in or endorsing violence and aggression contradicts His call for peace and reconciliation.
8. Legalism
Jesus challenged the overemphasis on rigid adherence to the law at the expense of mercy and compassion (Matthew 12:1-14). Legalistic attitudes that prioritize rules over the well-being and dignity of individuals miss the essence of Jesus’ teachings about love and grace.
9. Disregard for Forgiveness
Jesus taught the importance of forgiveness, instructing His followers to forgive others as they have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Holding grudges or refusing to forgive contradicts this fundamental teaching and can lead to bitterness and division.
10. Pride & Arrogance
Jesus taught humility and warned against pride (Luke 18:9-14). Arrogance and a sense of superiority undermine the humility Jesus exemplified and preached, creating barriers to genuine relationships and spiritual growth.
11. Neglecting Personal Integrity
Jesus emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity (John 14:6). Engaging in deceit or dishonesty, whether in personal or professional life, runs counter to the ethical standards He set for His followers.
12. Self-Centeredness
Jesus advocated for selflessness and serving others (Mark 10:45). A focus on self-interest and personal gain, rather than serving others and putting their needs first, contradicts this teaching and the example Jesus set.
13. Religious Exclusivism
Jesus’ teachings included love for one’s neighbor and even enemies (Matthew 5:44). Holding exclusive or elitist attitudes that dismiss or condemn those of different faiths or beliefs goes against the inclusive love Jesus demonstrated.
14. Ignoring Social Justice
Jesus spoke against injustice and called for compassion and justice (Luke 4:18). Ignoring issues of social justice and failing to advocate for the oppressed and marginalized contradicts His teachings about caring for the least among us.
15. Inconsistent Application of Grace
Jesus urged grace and mercy, teaching that these should be extended generously (Matthew 9:13). An inconsistent application of grace, where some are shown mercy while others are harshly judged, runs counter to the egalitarian nature of Jesus’ grace.
16. Excessive Focus on Rituals & Traditions
Jesus critiqued an overemphasis on rituals and traditions that overshadowed the heart of the law, such as when He challenged the Pharisees for neglecting justice and mercy (Matthew 15:1-9).
An excessive focus on rituals can divert attention from the core values of love and compassion.
17. Exploitation of Religion for Personal Gain
Jesus condemned the practice of using religion for personal or financial gain, as seen when He overturned the tables of money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Using religious authority or platforms for personal benefit contradicts the principles of humility and service.
18. Neglect of Community & Fellowship
Jesus valued community and fellowship, teaching the importance of gathering together in His name (Matthew 18:20). Neglecting communal worship and fellowship undermines the sense of unity and mutual support that Jesus encouraged among His followers.
19. Mixing Spiritual & Political
Jesus stubbornly refused to answer Pilates’ charge of kingship. Jesus stated that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Too much focus on political issues or mixing religion too closely with politics can confuse spiritual and everyday matters, which may lead to division and taking sides.
20. Exclusion of Women & Gender Inequality
Jesus broke cultural norms by including women in His ministry and valuing their contributions (Luke 8:1-3). Behaviors or attitudes that exclude women or perpetuate gender inequality contradict His inclusive approach to ministry and leadership.
21. Oppressing the Powerless
People were bringing small children to Jesus so He could bless them, but the disciples told them not to. When Jesus saw this, He became very upset (Mark 10:13-16).
Oppressing those who are powerless, whether in personal relationships or church settings, goes against His teaching to protect and care for those who are mistreated and vulnerable.
22. Isolation from Non-Believers
Isolating oneself from non-believers or avoiding interactions with those of different faiths can contradict Jesus’ example of inclusivity and outreach. Zacchaeus was saved because Jesus actively sought him out, not the other way around (Luke 19:10).
Recognizing these issues opens an opportunity to grow and ensure that our behavior matches the spirit of His teachings.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
