Proverbs 28:13, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

What is the difference between a hypocrite and a genuine follow of Christ?  Repentance.  Both the hypocrite and genuine disciple may sin, stumble, and make the same mistakes over and over again.  However, what makes the hypocrite a double minded deceptive person is that they will not confess and renounce their sin, but rather they conceal (hide) it.

Simply said, hypocrites say one thing and do another.  Plus, when they sin they conceal it from both God and man and instead make excuses and get offended.  However, when a disciple sins they confess it and renounce it- and if they sin again they confess and renounce their sin until they stop sinning in that area of their life.

Hypocrites conceal their sin and according to both King Solomon and Jesus- they will never prosper, Matthew 23:27.  Solomon also said in Proverbs 24:16, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”  Therefore, the righteous will always rise again and prosper (have success) because they are willing to let God transform their life inside and out.

The worst thing you can when you sin is try to hide it and pretend it didn’t happen.  You become a disobedient child in relationship with God and a hypocrite before people.  When you sin, first be quick to confess it and make it known to God and others you may have affected.  Second, renounce your sin by truly allowing God to give you the desire to never to do it again, Romans 12:1-2.

I challenge you from this day forward to never be a hypocrite but live a righteous and prosper life.


Reflection

Are you a hypocrite or a genuine disciple of Christ?

Action

  1. What is your first reaction when you sin- to confess and renounce it or to conceal it?
  2. Repent for any of the times you may have concealed your sin.
  3. Always be quick to confess and renounce your sin.