Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
Acts 5:1-4

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When I was growing up, I distinctly remember the hurt and pain from Christians saying one thing and acting another. Hypocrisy cuts to the heart, and it cut mine deeply—so deeply that I wanted nothing to do with church. 

At one point in college, I considered trying faith again—I was broken and lost and knew I needed something. A dear friend took me to a weekly gathering of Christian students, and to my utter dismay, I felt like I had stepped back in time. These students weren’t hypocrites—that I knew of—but they sure weren’t very welcoming.  My heart and mind went right back to the harm from my younger years. 

In today’s passage, Ananias and Sapphira were hypocrites. They were free to give as much or as little as they pleased, but lied about the amount. They wanted to appear generous, but their hearts were self-interested. I find this passage difficult to read because if I’m honest, despite my own experience with hypocritical Christians, I know I’m not perfect and “commit acts of hypocrisy” on the regular—I have three kiddos (my “little holy spirits”) that help call that out in me all the time. 

We’re bound to make mistakes and fall short, but when we endeavor to live lives of integrity in line with the Holy Spirit, we are more inclined to be the welcoming and generous people that God designed us to be. And when we live from that place, we can give, serve, and love without the desire or need to impress. 

So what got me back to church and eventually here? In my early 20s, when I knew I wanted God in my life (again) but not the church, it was the open arms of a small group that paved the way. This group of young women didn’t care at all if I was a member or if I even attended Sunday services. They were just glad I would walk through the doors on a Sunday night and open my Bible occasionally (the Bible was optional at that point, too.) Their loving, welcoming, and open hearts helped my heart heal and my faith grow. 

Next Steps

It was the vulnerable and open arms of a small group that helped lead me back to church. Have you joined a group this summer? If not, you still can. Check out the Group’s Directory and see where God might lead you. 

Remember, throughout this series, we’re reading the book of Acts as a church. Take a look at the reading plan and join in!