“We cannot achieve anything without giving money”. This is the talk of the day everywhere. The Bible condemns giving bribery. “He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”(Ps.5:5). “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house but he that hateth gifts shall live.”(Prov. 15:27). The very desire to amass wealth instigates a person to accept bribe. The Bible says a man who hateth a bribe shall live.

A BRIBE WAS GIVEN TO BETRAY JESUS:-

“For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows”. (I Tim 6:10) The Lust for money moved Judas Iscariot to betray the saviour JESUS CHRIST. The lust for money gave an opening for the devil to enter into Judas. “Then entered satan into Judas” (St.Luke 22:3). Judas lost his Apostleship and faith because of his greed for money. For 30 pieces of silver he became a traitor. By receiving 30 pieces of silver as bribe to betray JESUS. “Judas hanged himself (St.Mt. 27:5). Lust for money took Judas Iscariot to Hell.

A BRIBE WAS GIVEN TO COVER THE RESURECTION OF JESUS:-

The elders offered large sum of money to the soldiers to give false report about the glorious resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. (Mat.28:12). The soldiers received the bribe and spread a false rumour contradicting the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. Money will change laws, it will tamper judgement, lie’s will be made to appear as truth. Beware of satan’s cunning device of Bribery.

JOHN THE BAPTIST CONDEMNED BRIBE:-

John the Baptist advised the soldiers who came to him for baptism. “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (St. Luke3:14). Many people do not live within their wages, but instead resort to extravagant living. So, they cheat others and take bribes. The Holy Spirit advises us through John the Baptist “be content with your wages”. Those who disobey the commandment of God will find their way to the lake of eternal fire.

BRIBE TO RECEIVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS:-

We need money for ministry. But we cannot run the ministry with money alone. Peter and John came to Samaria to lead the new believers here to the baptism of Holy Spirit. When Simeon the new believer saw the way Peter was used by the Lord, in leading many into the Holy Spirit Baptism. Simeon offered money to Peter and said,” give me this gift that when I lay my hands on anyone, they must receive the Holy Spirit”. Did Peter receive the money? No. Nowadays we receive money without any hesitation for everything. But Peter said into him, thy money perishes with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20). We cannot run a ministry by giving bribe. There is no room for unholy things in the presence of God. We need to humble ourselves and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We need people like Peter who shun the idea of receiving money. Peter cared too hoots for money. These days we see, servants of God who run to places where they can get money. We have a population of more than 150 crores in India today. Crores of people have not heard the name of JESUS even once. If that is the case, why should we go abroad when our own country men have not heard about JESUS. Let us go to the places where we can get souls and not run to places where we can make a fortune in Ministry.

BRIBE NEEDED TO RELEASE ST.PAUL:-

When Paul was a prisoner, Felix often called and spoke to him. But Paul spoke about righteousness, Temperance, and judgement to Felix. “He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might lose him; wherefore he sent for him the oftener and communed with him”(Acts 24:26). Paul did not give bribe to release himself. Today, however most people would be ready to take the easy way by giving a bribe. Even at the cost of his life. Paul who feared God never gave into the temptation of giving a bribe. Paul was straight forward servant of God. Even today prisoners escaped from prison by giving bribe. Whatever difficulties we may have to face we must never give a bribe.

The demon of bribery is spread all over the world today. As a result of this many forsake their faith. Let us unite our hearts and fight against bribery. Let us not compromise with the world today but prove to the world that we are a special people. Many Christians who do not accept or give bribes are being richly rewarded for their steadfastness.

Amen