“We can’t achieve anything without giving money”. This is the talk of the day everywhere. The Bible condemns giving bribery. “He that putteth not his money to usary nor take reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved” (Psalms 15:5). “He that is greedy of gain trouble his own house but he that hate gifts shall live” (Proverbs 15:27). The very desire to amass wealth instigates a person to accept the bribe. The Bible says a man who hate 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 Timothy 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 which he received as bribe, he became a traitor. “Judas hanged himself” (St Mark 27:5). Lust for money took Judas Iscariot to hell.

       A BRIBE WAS GIVEN TO COVER THE RESURRECTION 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 rumor contradicting the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Money will change laws, it will tamper judgement, lies 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.Luke 3:14). 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 the 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 money? No. Nowadays we receive money without any hesitation for everything. “But Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20). We can’t 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. We have a population of more than a billion in India today. Lakhs of people have not heard the name of Jesus even once. If that is the case why should we go abroad when our own countrymen have not heard about Jesus? Let us go to 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 offender, and communed with him” (Acts 24:26). Paul didn’t give bribe to release him. Today, most people would be ready to take the easy way of giving a bribe. Even at the cost of his life. Paul who feared God never gave into the temptation of giving bribe. Paul was straightforward 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 the world that we are special people. Many Christians who do not accept or give bribes are being richly rewarded for their steadfastness.

Amen.