“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Using the acrostic DEATH we talked about characteristics to address: Deceit, Envy, Anger, and the Tongue. Today we will look at Hypocrisy.

Jesus has a lot to say about hypocrisy. Similar to deceit, it is living and talking in ways that are full of pretense. That is what the word means. Play acting is the way people pretend. Pretending love is that way too. But God sees the heart and knows our thoughts and intensions.

I have often said, even though I don't feel loving I can act loving.  Am I guilty of hypocrisy?  If I don't feel polite, then should I just say whatever comes to my mind to my boss or my teacher or the policeman or judge?  Don’t confuse the call to obedience of what Christ would have us do and say with our feelings or lack of self-discipline.    

If these things bring death to love, then what will allow us to give life? It is spending time with Jesus starting with consistent meeting with the Word of God and personal prayer. It is asking the Holy Spirit to change you.  “Since you have been born again, then like newborn babe crave the pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” We have indeed tasted and sensed that the Lord is good. He teaches and empowers us as we are determined to obey and follow His path. We become lovers of God and others when our rights are given over to Him. He is now in charge of daily life.    

Application:  Realize the Word of God is powerful, active, living and touches our lives at our most important needs. Today ask God to fill you with His love- a love that is Spiritual, Sincere and Selfless. That is the Love we see demonstrated with the death of our Lord and the wonderful resurrection that enlivens us to Him. It is with seed that does not perish. It is a gift for you and me.

Hypocrisy has to do with your heart and your mind and your attitudes and your relationship with God and your relationship with people. Ephesians 5:43, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.” The more you focus on the Lord, the more He shows Himself in your life.  Pray that His light shines through you today, 

Prayer:   Lord, in all things and in all my relationships, help me to deny my self, my messed up feelings and love like You love.