Beware of Hypocrisy

Posted on July 31, 2024, 9:14 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

We have discussed what the Bible teaches about giving alms to the poor and the needy. The scripture makes it clear that almsgiving to the poor is part of Christian work of faith -(James.2:14-17) as God commanded it in (Deut.15:11). The question is, how do we give to the needy without hurting their persons. How do we give to the needy in a manner that God’s name will be glorified? We should be mindful of this fact in our almsgiving. We should ensure that we give with respect to the recipient. Treat them in a dignified manner. We don’t have to wait for them to beg before we give. If we are conversant with our environment and with the help of the Holly Spirit in us, we will be directed to those that require our help, even without them coming to ask. Let us learn from the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ before we become a hypocrite in our almsgiving without knowing it. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, we should not show off our almsgiving to the needy. We should not sound a trumpet, meaning that we should not call attention to our almsgiving as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and in the streets. Finally, He says, our almsgiving should be done in the secret to the extent that what our left hand is doing should not be known to the right hand. (Matt.6:1-4) If someone’s almsgiving is not in the same manner with the above teaching, then it is hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is pretending to be something that one is not, for the purpose of gaining recognition. The Scriptures presents hypocrisy as not acceptable. Jesus cursed the Scribes and the Pharisees seven times in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 23 for their hypocrisy. Apostle James told us that, almsgiving is part of Christian work and is also part of Christian faith. Such giving should not be based on expecting something in reward on earth, not even recognition or admiration. It becomes an earthly investment and not almsgiving when we expect an earthly reward. Therefore, almsgiving for the sake of recognition or admiration is hypocrisy. It is not acceptable to God and it is not expected of the child of God. Dear brethren, to avoid been hypocritical in our almsgiving, let us henceforth follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and be guided by the following word of God, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others” (Phil.1:29-30) May the good Lord be pleased with our almsgiving and grant us eternal reward that is kept for us in heaven in Jesus name. Amen Evangelism Let us practice almsgiving for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. Tell somebody today “Jesus loves you”. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre