A Christian Hypocrite (cont'd) by Shalene Kearney

A wise man once told me that when I was referring to a Christian hypocrite, that what many unbelievers don't know, and possibly don't understand is that it actually pains a true believer when they sin. We feel the grief we have caused the Holy Spirit within us. Sometimes that pain is even physical.

I make this point, because while it's true there are those in society that profess to be "Christians" that do not follow in Christ's footsteps as they should, a true Christ follower, will not sin, with the forethought that they will "just repent later and all will be well."

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26-27 (NLT) While it's true that this topic is not the context of what Paul was writing about in these two verses, it is still applicable. When a true believer sins, the Holy Spirit is groaning ever more passionately that we might repent and put our thoughts and actions back into alignment with God's plan for us.

So today, take the time to show the Love of Christ to all you come into contact with, feel the conviction of the pain you cause with your day to day sin. Welcome it, and repent. Make a point of not excusing your sins with the thought that you will repent later, because there may not be a "later."

---Lord, I pray today that you work through me to mirror your love to all. Convict me of my sins in the moment that I think them, so that I do not commit them. Move me to repent of even the temptation of sinful behavior and thoughts. Help me to not be a Christian hypocrite. Lord, help me to further your kingdom today, and to glorify you in all that I do. I ask this in Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen