Sep
2
Without Hypocrisy
Filed Under Devotional
If I give my coat to a homeless man, is that an act of Christ-like love from me? Most would answer in the affirmative. If I berate my friend into giving up his coat instead, is that an act of Christ-like love from me? I think you’d get a mixed response to that scenario. If I point a gun at a passerby and take his coat to give to the homeless man, is that an act of Christ-like love from me? I would hope that nobody believes that to be the case.
Sure, the homeless guy got a coat in all three situations. That’s good! The poor were helped. But, is this a net benefit morally? You could argue that, ultimately, it was still a sacrificial gift on the part of my friend in the second scenario. I don’t believe there is any act of love in the last one.
We cannot measure a series of actions based solely on the outcome.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
Remember that our relationship with Christ is very personal. When He says, “give,” He’s pointing a finger at you and one at me saying, “You give.” When He says, “care for the poor,” He’s again pointing at you and me as individuals. These are tasks for us to take upon ourselves personally or by directly supporting organizations that do so.
I believe it is hypocritical and evil to interpret this commandment as authority for us to either verbally or physically force others to obey it. Remember that Jesus is a gentlemen. He has explained what a better life looks like, but He never grabbed anyone by the collar and dragged him to it.
Love sacrificially, but don’t be hypocritical or justify evil in an effort to cause others to join you.