The modern definition of the word “hypocrite” refers to someone who says one thing but does another. For example, a person who tells others not to smoke – but is a chain smoker themselves. Jesus warned against hypocritical judging in Matthew 7:1-6, but the original meaning of the word hypocrite was “an actor under an assumed character.” This means that some people may seem to be living by God’s will, yet inwardly harbor traits that God despises. Jesus wants Christians to be GENUINE in their faith and NOT TO PRETEND to be someone they are not. He wants us to BEAR GOOD FRUIT from our actions, WITH PURE MOTIVES. 

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

~ Matthew 23:25-28

Holy God and Father: Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of Your love? Unfortunately, hypocrites have given Your people a bad name over the years, and religious pretenders angered Jesus even in the first century. Please guide us in our efforts to please You, and may we look to Jesus as the perfect example of sincerity. Mold our character in His image! Please guide us also in correcting others with a pretender’s spirit. We need wisdom, conviction, and courage to do so correctly. Please help us in these things, and it is in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.