“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
-Matthew 23:27, NKJV
When I started dating again, I decided I did not want an overtly religious partner. I wanted someone who was authentically themselves.
My last marriage was a victim of too much religious pretense. People in that family system were obsessed with appearances. So, I decided I did not want THAT, again!
A big piece of sussing out this dynamic was looking to see how the individual treats other people.
Are they kind or cruel? Do they have friends? Are they obsessed with how people perceive them or are they at ease in who they are? Is going to Church about the relationships or keep up appearances?
I do not believe in Jesus for appearances.
He saved my life through this dark season by giving me hope that ALL my pain could and would be redeemed one day. My pain matters to Him.
Plus, I think a grew an allergy to self-righteous, religious pricks through my first divorce and other life experiences with said category of people. I have had to deal with plenty of that type as a hazard of my job… don’t need one at home 😉
