Religion vs Relationship
Jesus warned the people against the religion of the Pharisees.
Religion is about rules, burdens and performance.
Even though Jesus talked about following the observances of the Pharisees, as they were based on the law, He warned against the condition of their heart.
They provided rules but didn’t follow up by assisting the people in the burden of the rules.
They had no compassion on the people for how the rules would impact them.
And the works they did participate in were for all the wrong reasons; they worked to be seen and applauded by men, not out of a love for God or the people around them.
When we are walking in relationship with Christ, we are to have compassion on people.
We aren’t to add to their burden but to help, in our compassion, to relieve that burden.
And we are not to do this for the praise of people but out of our love for Jesus and from the love of Jesus that flows in and through us.
Relationship is about love, relieving burdens and resting in our identity in Christ.