One definition (or example) of a hypocrite is “someone who says they have particular moral beliefs but behaves in a way that shows these are not sincere”. One I am more familiar with is “A person who says one thing and does another”.
I don’t know if readers have ever been accused of being a hypocrite, but this has happened to me on at least two occasions that I can recall. The first occasion was several years ago, by a good friend, and recently it was implied by the same person.
Because of who brought this to my attention, I was initially hurt at the accusation. Even after trying to explain my reasons, the listener seemed unmoved, if not disbelieving! The first definition, in my case, would change the word “moral” to “Christian”, so I felt it necessary to reflect on the truth of the accusation. Even replaying the conversation, I was unsure what, if anything, I should or could do and was reminded of an expression my dear Dad used on occasion, “As God is my judge.”
If any reader has experienced anything similar, you will know this is not something that happens and is quickly dismissed; rather, as this contribution may prove, it can linger for some time. I do not doubt that the person who accused me did so because of sincerity and our relationship. Our friendship will continue, despite the testing of disagreement, but may not be easily forgotten, at least by me, as I try to avoid a similar accusation. This is increasingly challenging because, on the basis of my understanding of scripture, I thought my friend was wrong!
Jesus strongly condemned the hypocritical behaviour of some people, so any genuine accusations need to be taken seriously. My challenge is not to try and justify my reaction, but to ask, “What would you do?”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we face many challenges in our walk with you. Please help us to respond in ways that conform to your will. AMEN