Good morning friends
Let us meditate on these words today.
God is calling us to a higher "love standard"
And indeed the ministries that will thrive today (in this day and age) are those established on the truth of God's love. There was a season where large ministries would grow focused on giftings. Indeed there is a shifting as only "truth" ministries will grow in this season and dispensation. So I stumbled across these words.
Let love be without hypocrisy(Romans 12:9, NKJV
Other words for hypocrisy include dissimulation or pretense.
Here is the definition according to the Cambridge:
a situation in which someone pretends to believe something that they do not really believe, or that is the opposite of what they do or say at another time:
Here is the biblical definition of hypocrisy:
Hypocrisy is not the gap between doing and feeling; it’s the gap between public persona and private character. Hypocrisy is the failure to practice what you preach (Matt. 23:3). Appearing outwardly righteous to others, while actually being full of uncleanness and self-indulgence—that’s the definition of hypocrisy (Matt. 23:25-28).
I often experience those in the body of Christ, setting such a high standard for others, often decrying the other Christian's walk, while they themselves are sadly lacking.
We all have areas that God is perfecting. So may we always look at others with humility and compassion.
There were times twice when I was a young Christian that I looked on and said - "How could they?" And it was good that God humbled me and caused me to be tested in the very area that I had looked at others with judgement.
Here's Jesus's answer to keep us from operating with a Spirit of Judgement and condemnation.
Luke 6:37 -
37 “[l]Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change]. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man guide [another] blind man? Will they not both fall into a hole in the ground? 40 A student is not superior to his teacher; but everyone, after he has been completely trained, will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice or consider the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite (play actor, pretender), first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye
May we do some real soul searching and ask God to purify our hearts today. At the root of hypocrisy is often self righteousness and an "unloving Spirit"
By the way I must add - I have found those who speak about lack of love from others often turn out to be quite unloving, easily offended individuals.
We love not because of another's merit, but because God's love (Agape, unconditional) love is in our hearts and thus it is poured out to others. May we not just say we love because of a religious "standing" but may we truly open our heart to others and allow God to pour out love through us.
I must say though that to love the way God says with our heart makes us vulnerable
Matthew 5 gives this instruction
If one takes our cloak, give the tunic, the cloak is an outward garment and the tunic an inner covering garment. Agape love makes us vulnerable, but God will give us the grace and strength we need.
Let us truly walk in love today and everyday, put aside the pretense. Love with the Agape.
Lord help me, Lord help us, to truly love the way you said, it is the only thing that will make a difference in this season.
Love you my friends will always speak the truth. You don't have to guess what's in my heart.
We speak truth but can do nothing else but to continue in Love (unconditional agape love).
That is how they will know we are Christians by the way we love.
Let us be conduits of this God kind of love, love without hypocrisy
In Jesus name
Amen
Walk good in Christ
Till we meet again
Pastor J
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