What the Bible Reveals about Dealing with Pretenders

Pretenders are individuals who pretend to be something or someone they are not. They may present themselves as righteous, honest, and kind, but in reality, they are deceitful, wicked, and cruel. The Bible has a lot to say about pretenders and how to deal with them. In this article, we will explore what the Bible reveals about dealing with pretenders.

Who are Pretenders?

Pretenders are individuals who pretend to have a certain character or personality that is not true to their nature. They deceive others by putting on a façade of righteousness or goodness, but their heart is far from God. The Bible warns us about pretenders in various passages. In the book of Matthew, Jesus warns his disciples about the Pharisees, who were pretenders.

"Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by others." (Matthew 23:5-7, NIV)

Jesus warns his disciples not to follow the example of the Pharisees, who were hypocrites and pretenders. They pretended to be righteous and holy, but in reality, they were full of greed and wickedness.

How to Identify Pretenders?

Identifying pretenders can be challenging because they are good at deception. However, the Bible provides us with some clues that can help us recognize them. Here are some signs of pretenders:

• They are self-righteous: Pretenders think highly of themselves and believe that they are better than others. They are quick to judge and condemn others but fail to see their own faults.
• They are insincere: Pretenders are not genuine in their words or actions. They use flattery to gain favor or manipulate others for their own gain.
• They are deceptive: Pretenders hide their true intentions and motives. They use lies and deceit to get what they want.
• They lack love: Pretenders are not motivated by love but by selfish desires. They use people for their own benefit and do not care about their well-being.

How to Deal with Pretenders?

Dealing with pretenders can be challenging, but the Bible provides us with some guidance on how to handle them. Here are some ways to deal with pretenders:

1. Pray for them: Praying for pretenders can soften their hearts and lead them to repentance. Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies and bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44).
2. Avoid them: If pretenders are causing harm, it may be best to avoid them. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."
3. Confront them: If possible, confront pretenders about their behavior. Jesus taught us to confront those who sin against us and seek reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17).
4. Show them love: Showing love to pretenders can break down their walls of deception and lead them to repentance. Romans 12:20 says, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Conclusion

The Bible reveals that pretenders are individuals who pretend to be something or someone they are not. They deceive others by putting on a façade of righteousness or goodness, but their heart is far from God. Identifying pretenders can be challenging, but the Bible provides us with some clues that can help us recognize them. Dealing with pretenders can be challenging, but the Bible provides us with some guidance on how to handle them. We can pray for them, avoid them, confront them, and show them love. By following these principles, we can deal with pretenders in a way that honors God and leads to reconciliation.