The Bible Inquirer

True Love of God versus Hypocrisy!

Love and Charity: Keeping God’s Commandments First.

True love and charity, according to the Bible, begin with obedience to God. Love is not merely an emotion or outward action; it is first a commitment to keep God’s commandments. As written in **Gospel of John 14:15**, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” This verse shows that genuine love for God is proven through obedience. Before we claim to love others, we must ensure that our lives are aligned with His will.

The greatest commandment is declared in **Gospel of Matthew 22:37–39**: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind… And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Love for neighbor must never conflict with love for God. Charity that disobeys God’s commandments is not true charity. If an act appears kind but violates God’s law, it cannot be pleasing to Him.

The Bible teaches that charity must be sincere and pure. In **First Corinthians 13:1–3**, the Apostle Paul explains that even great sacrifices mean nothing without charity. Yet this same chapter describes charity as rejoicing “in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). True love does not support wickedness; it stands with righteousness. Therefore, before practicing charity, a believer must forsake sin.

God calls His people to turn away from evil. **Book of Isaiah 1:16–17** commands, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings… cease to do evil; Learn to do well.” Charity begins with repentance. A life continuing in wickedness while performing outward acts of kindness is hypocrisy. God sees the heart, not just the actions.

Hypocrisy is strongly condemned in Scripture. In **Gospel of Matthew 6:1**, Jesus warns, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.” Charity must not be done for praise or recognition. God examines motives. Likewise, **First Samuel 16:7** reminds us, “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth… the Lord looketh on the heart.” When love and charity are practiced only for appearance, they lose their spiritual value.

Furthermore, obedience and love are inseparable. **First John 5:3** declares, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” True charity flows naturally from a heart that first loves and obeys God. When we forsake wickedness and walk in righteousness, our acts of kindness become acceptable offerings before Him.

In conclusion, biblical love and charity begin with wholehearted obedience to God. We must keep His commandments first, avoid any action that contradicts His will, forsake wickedness, and reject hypocrisy. When our love is rooted in truth and righteousness, God sees and approves our deeds. Only then does our charity reflect the pure love that Scripture teaches.

Love and Charity: Keeping God’s Commandments First.

True love and charity, according to the Bible, begin with obedience to God. Love is not merely an emotion or outward action; it is first a commitment to keep God’s commandments. As written in **Gospel of John 14:15**, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” This verse shows that genuine love for God is proven through obedience. Before we claim to love others, we must ensure that our lives are aligned with His will.

The greatest commandment is declared in **Gospel of Matthew 22:37–39**: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind… And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Love for neighbor must never conflict with love for God. Charity that disobeys God’s commandments is not true charity. If an act appears kind but violates God’s law, it cannot be pleasing to Him.

The Bible teaches that charity must be sincere and pure. In **First Corinthians 13:1–3**, the Apostle Paul explains that even great sacrifices mean nothing without charity. Yet this same chapter describes charity as rejoicing “in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). True love does not support wickedness; it stands with righteousness. Therefore, before practicing charity, a believer must forsake sin.

God calls His people to turn away from evil. **Book of Isaiah 1:16–17** commands, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings… cease to do evil; Learn to do well.” Charity begins with repentance. A life continuing in wickedness while performing outward acts of kindness is hypocrisy. God sees the heart, not just the actions.

Hypocrisy is strongly condemned in Scripture. In **Gospel of Matthew 6:1**, Jesus warns, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.” Charity must not be done for praise or recognition. God examines motives. Likewise, **First Samuel 16:7** reminds us, “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth… the Lord looketh on the heart.” When love and charity are practiced only for appearance, they lose their spiritual value.

Furthermore, obedience and love are inseparable. **First John 5:3** declares, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” True charity flows naturally from a heart that first loves and obeys God. When we forsake wickedness and walk in righteousness, our acts of kindness become acceptable offerings before Him.

In conclusion, biblical love and charity begin with wholehearted obedience to God. We must keep His commandments first, avoid any action that contradicts His will, forsake wickedness, and reject hypocrisy. When our love is rooted in truth and righteousness, God sees and approves our deeds. Only then does our charity reflect the pure love that Scripture teaches.