Pride appears among people in many forms but is much less apparent as outward arrogance. It is where the root of it is a hypocrisy that says, “I am superior” or “I am above this person, situation or circumstance.” It is the absence of love.

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” – Luke 20:46–47 NASB

In Luke 20:46-47, there is this spectacle of greater condemnation among those who hold themselves in higher regard than others. Where from these is a pressing expectation of due honor and recognition of status. So by contrast, Jesus calls for humility from among those who are His.

Imagine being resentful while appearing before God at the judgment because felt rewards are not in keeping with your service, obedience, and work for His kingdom and glory. Rather instead choose this spirit and mindset, “the joy of the humble does not reside in being deserving, but in receiving mercy.” As those who are His are considered saints and unworthy servants in and of themselves. [1]

Jesus calls our attention to three specific sources of pride. Self-rule, merit, and pleasure by feeling superior to others or above others. Whereas individual prideful outcomes turn up unwanted behaviors, sour outward emotions, or counter-productive inward thoughts of defiance, entitlement, and superiority.

As we crave the praise of others, it affects our purchase choices, where we choose to live, our pursuits, lifestyles, where we sit a meeting, or by what title we put in front of our name. Not that these efforts, things, or appearances are wrongful in themselves, but instead that there is a distinct presence of love for them. Where we get feelings of superiority because of what value or conclusions they can produce within us.

A heart of a servant requires a willingness and humility to do lowly service.

So it is therefore because we are as unworthy servants who deserve nothing good that we must have unending gratitude for our joy and mercy received from God. Moreover, by Jesus’s parables, illustrations, warnings, and teachings, we carry ourselves having that conviction. Where there is a permanent war on pride.

Matt 23:4-7, 12, Luke 18:11-14, Matt 5:3, Matt 6:1,5, 16, Luke 20:46-47, Luke 17:10, Luke 22:25-26, Matt 11:30

[1] John Piper, “What Jesus Demands of the World” (Crossway, Wheaton Illinois), 129

The kingdom of heaven is closely compared to the power to forgive.

“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” – Mt 18:21–22

The LORD has made clear that as necessary to keep forgiveness, it is also necessary to in turn forgive others.

To keep and love mercy and forgiveness is directly tied to your willingness to give the same at any scale and by any frequency. To experience the kingdom of heaven is to receive mercy and forgiveness. To experience the kingdom of heaven is to give mercy and forgiveness.

The absence of a person’s willingness to forgive demonstrates missing acceptance of the Lord’s incalculable forgiveness. Where there is anger from an injustice, offense, or abuse and each continues without mercy, that person has not changed and therefore has not accepted an enormous sin debt forgiven of the Lord. A debt that an individual is personally responsible to pay.

In such circumstances, Jesus presses us to understand and accept that forgiveness and mercy are reversed from the person who was given both but has not returned the same to others. Where there was anger from a continued or repeated offense from a debt that was comparatively minuscule and unpaid.

As it is written (Matt 18:32-35), the person who does not forgive and demonstrate mercy is thrown in prison until the enormity of all debt is paid. Jesus the living God clearly articulates as impossible.

So the kingdom of heaven is closely compared to the power to forgive (Matt 18:23). Where if we claim the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus, but there is no forgiveness in our hearts for other people, God’s mercy and forgiveness are not present (Matt 6:14-15, Mark 11:25). Not that God’s mercy and forgiveness depend upon our willingness or transformation, but that both must come from within us the same if we are to receive salvation and experience heaven.