Would it surprise you to discover that Jesus didn’t like hypocrites either? Not only were they insincere, He said, but they made a mockery of true faith and brought disgrace to it.

In fact, some of Jesus’ strongest words were directed at people who claimed to follow God but in reality weren’t obeying Him but were selfish and unloving and evil. On one occasion, He boldly condemned some of the religious leaders of His day with these words: “On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matthew 23:28). God knows our hearts and minds, He was reminding them—and nothing is hidden from Him. The same is true with us.

Yes, some so-called Christians are hypocrites, but what about those who aren’t—the men and women who take their commitment to Christ seriously, and are following Him every day? How do you explain them? Their lives have been changed by Jesus Christ, and because of Him they reach out sacrificially to those in need across the world.

Don’t let a few hypocrites keep you from Christ. Instead, face honestly your need for God—for His forgiveness for your sins, and for the new life He offers to all who put their faith and trust in Christ. God loves you, and you will never be the same once you yield your life to Jesus Christ.