Dictionary.com define hypocrite as, “a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs”. Christians are often accused of being hypocrites. So, does the definition fit the person? Are today’s Christians hypocrites, why or why not?
The definition is correct – the hypocrite is “a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs”. But now the definition of Christian and religious beliefs and/or principles must be defined. The “person of religion” is a believer of rules and regulations required for getting the attention of God and making their way to a better place, i.e. heaven. The Christian, is a believer in the principles of God. The Kingdom of God, the love of God, for God (the one true God) is Love. Jesus gave us 2 commands found in Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV) to follow. In the 40th verse of NKJV the reader will see the word “hang”. Everything that the true Christian Believer does hangs on these 2 commands. Yes, true Christians love all people, but hate the sin. A curtain is unable to hang on its own, it must have a rod on which to hang. For the Christian, the rod on which we hang is LOVE; for God is LOVE. P.S. I’m not talking about mushy love, ms goodie two shoes love, but real love.
I think most people, both Christian and non Christian, have a problem distinquishing the sin and the sinner. Hate the sin becomes hate the sinner. It is better to concentrate on the command to love. Bring people to God and let Him deal with the sin. I honestly think this is where people see hypocrisy in Christianity. Many of us are quick to condemn the sins of others while overlooking our own. Before you would remove the speck from my eye, first remove the log from your own.
Nicely said, God is Love and we are all sinners and by the grace of God forgiven
I guess no. I think the church is for sinners who have the need to change and become perfect as Christ. Hence, those in church will constantly work to learn how to avoid sin.