The Opposite of Hypocrisy

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.” - Matthew 6:16

Jesus pokes at two kinds of somberness here - there’s the outward and the inward. Outwardly the religious folks are trying to look very serious and hungry so that people know they are fasting. Ironically, they are actually trying to look unhappy because it makes them happy to think that others think they are that dedicated. But does that really make them happy? Nope - they are in sad shape on the inside, too, and don’t even know it.

Listen to this modern day prophet:

Happiness comes from being who you actually are instead of who you think you are supposed to be. - Shonda Rhimes

The hypocrisy Jesus spoke of is not just for the religious elites, it’s for all of us who are incongruent, not allowing our outsides and our insides to match up. Sure, it’s appropriate to say “I’m fine” to a passerby on the street when you’re having a hard day, but not to a good friend when they are checking in on you. True friends get to know us as we really are. (And it’s ok to share with good friends if you’re having a tough day because you’re fasting - that’s not what Jesus is talking about here!)

So take some time today and think about what it means to integrated - to allow those who love you to see you for who you are. That’s the opposite of hypocrisy after all.