My deception and hypocrisy — Scripture Reflection #054

1 Peter 2:1 (New Living Translation)

1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

I confess that I have practiced deception and hypocrisy in my life. It is easier and more comfortable for me to lie and trick others than to confront where I have let them down. I also try to distract myself from my shortcomings so that I do not have to confess them to God. 

I believe that these evil behaviors stem from the fears of failure and of disappointing others. These evil behaviors manifest in me trying to control others’ perception of me. If I can hide where I have gone wrong and only show the best of myself, then I will not have to have those tough, disheartening conversations. I hate failing, and I hate having to confess it to God and others. 

This is not what our loving Father has called me to. He desires to give me freedom from both those evil behaviors and the fears that they stem from. He desires to give me the right perspective about myself, people, and Himself. It is my job to continually confess my sins to Him and others, and then work alongside the Holy Spirit to act right. 

The Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being so loving to me. Thank You that I can come to You with my failures and sins and You will still love me. I pray that I would stop trying to hide my sins from You or others, or pretend that they are not there by acting good. Please continue to transform me into the image of Your Son, Jesus. I love You. Amen