Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him. 

In his classic book  How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie offers the following advice on building relationships:   “Become genuinely interested in other people.”

The Pharisees and Herodians  may have seemed to have this advice down pat.   They talked to Jesus with great respect, and they appeared to be very interested in his opinion about paying taxes.   But their flattery didn’t ring true.   Jesus knew they were trying to trap him, eager to see him slip up.   They may have looked friendly, but it was just an act.

Don’t make the same mistake!   God asks you to be sincere, honest, and open in your relationships—especially with the people you may find difficult.   Show them as much charity and respect as you can, but never be fake.   If you need to discuss a problem with someone, try your best to do it with humility and love for the person.   You’ll find that your efforts will free you to love that person even more—and it will also help him or her to respect you all the more.

Still, no matter how hard you try, there will always be a few people who push you to the breaking point.   That’s where prayer really makes a difference.   Instead of complaining and gossiping, as Jesus’ opponents would have done, take your frustration to the Lord.   Remember how he loved everyone, even his enemies.   Remember how he fed thousands of people—friends and enemies alike—with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of pieces of fish.   Remember, especially, how he forgave the people who crucified him.   Surely he can help you with your difficult relationships!

Is someone causing you a lot of tension?   Try interceding for that person every day for a week, and see what happens.   Ask Jesus to help you see that person through his eyes of love and mercy.   You may find your heart softening.   You may find just the right words to say the next time you encounter him or her.   Or you may find the wisdom and self-control to hold your tongue.   Whatever you experience, ask God to bless this person and to fill your heart with his peace.

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