"DO YOU LOVE ME?" ----Jesus Christ.
Many Times Christians are crudely accused of being hypocrites by worldly people while they brag unremorseful, and uncontrite openly, as it were, on their sinful lifestyle. They tort, "At least I ain't a hypocrite" as they gleefully sin for all to see.
A prime example is the so called, "Coming out of the closet" for those who practice sodomy. Truly we are a nation that has forgotten how to blush. A true Hypocrite, in it's purest sense, is someone who feels no shame for their sin. They knowingly and willfully without any remorse worship themselves and put forth a fake self to gain the worship of others. They are actors for the applause of men every moment they are in the public eye. However, one who is not ashamed of their sin is as bad as a hypocrite.
Often as Christians we hide our sin and weaknesses from others simply because we are ashamed of ourselves or because we know how cruel others can be in their judgment of us. However, we do not hide our sin from God. We acknowledge our transgressions. At times even while we are in the midst of sin our heart is smitten by grief from the Holy Spirit; and we know it.
The scripture says we are to confess our faults one to another. Does that mean we shout them from the roof top. No. We confide in others who know and understand the same conviction and shame we feel for not loving our Lord in word or deed.
As disciples of Christ we sin sometimes with sin that no one knows about but us and God. We are ashamed for others to know. We fear the condescending looks, unforgiveness and their harsh judgment. We know our God is more merciful and gracious than they are. We often confide only in those who are true Godly friends our hidden sins. We protect our reputation not because we are hypocrites but because we know that others are cruel, without compassion and unforgiving.
As true disciples we can feel deeply for the apostle Peter. Yes, he cursed and denied Christ but he also immediately went out and wept bitterly over his sin. We can really relate as disciples to the shame he felt when the Lord ask him, "Peter do you love me?" This is the true disciple's motivation for his walk and service. This Christian hears the Holy Spirit almost continually asking, "Do you love me?"
Are we Hypocrites if we acknowledge in Godly sorrow our sin? Was Peter a hypocrite? NO. We are sinners saved by grace battling every day a sin nature that we inherited. One day Christ will remove this thorn in our side. We love our Lord sometimes, hopefully most of the time, but sometimes to our shame and grief we do not. Never the less He loves us ALL the time!
Many Times Christians are crudely accused of being hypocrites by worldly people while they brag unremorseful, and uncontrite openly, as it were, on their sinful lifestyle. They tort, "At least I ain't a hypocrite" as they gleefully sin for all to see.
A prime example is the so called, "Coming out of the closet" for those who practice sodomy. Truly we are a nation that has forgotten how to blush. A true Hypocrite, in it's purest sense, is someone who feels no shame for their sin. They knowingly and willfully without any remorse worship themselves and put forth a fake self to gain the worship of others. They are actors for the applause of men every moment they are in the public eye. However, one who is not ashamed of their sin is as bad as a hypocrite.
Often as Christians we hide our sin and weaknesses from others simply because we are ashamed of ourselves or because we know how cruel others can be in their judgment of us. However, we do not hide our sin from God. We acknowledge our transgressions. At times even while we are in the midst of sin our heart is smitten by grief from the Holy Spirit; and we know it.
The scripture says we are to confess our faults one to another. Does that mean we shout them from the roof top. No. We confide in others who know and understand the same conviction and shame we feel for not loving our Lord in word or deed.
As disciples of Christ we sin sometimes with sin that no one knows about but us and God. We are ashamed for others to know. We fear the condescending looks, unforgiveness and their harsh judgment. We know our God is more merciful and gracious than they are. We often confide only in those who are true Godly friends our hidden sins. We protect our reputation not because we are hypocrites but because we know that others are cruel, without compassion and unforgiving.
As true disciples we can feel deeply for the apostle Peter. Yes, he cursed and denied Christ but he also immediately went out and wept bitterly over his sin. We can really relate as disciples to the shame he felt when the Lord ask him, "Peter do you love me?" This is the true disciple's motivation for his walk and service. This Christian hears the Holy Spirit almost continually asking, "Do you love me?"
Are we Hypocrites if we acknowledge in Godly sorrow our sin? Was Peter a hypocrite? NO. We are sinners saved by grace battling every day a sin nature that we inherited. One day Christ will remove this thorn in our side. We love our Lord sometimes, hopefully most of the time, but sometimes to our shame and grief we do not. Never the less He loves us ALL the time!
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