SINCERE

I don’t know about you but I get tired of watching the news sometimes – particularly those that feature politicians and pundits who are trying to address issues of the day.  Each one says what they’ve been told to say that they hope will keep the electorate on their side.  It’s often far removed from the truth of the situation.

Recently I’ve been watching some episodes from “The Chosen” – and just saw the episode where Jesus called one of His disciples, Nathaniel to follow him.  I just love the Bible’s description of Nathaniel’s character:

As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”

John 1:47

A sincere person is one who is honest, who doesn’t create false impressions, and who doesn’t operate with selfish motives.  What you see is what you get.  They do the right thing for the right reasons.  They don’t have a hidden agenda.  That was Nathaniel and I pray that can be each of us.

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. 

Job 33:3

This asks the question of us today, are we as genuine on the inside as we try to portray on the outside? 

God wants us to know who we are in relationship with Him and then live that out with truth and grace in all our human relationships. 

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

1 Timothy 1:5

God, we know that we need to say what we mean and mean what we say without lies or exaggerations or evasiveness.  Help us today to be honest about what we think or feel – expressing ourselves with respect and politeness for sure -- but not thinking one thing and intentionally saying something else.  Help us in every area of life to be sincere and to “walk the walk not just talk the talk.” 

We want to live before You, God, and others with sincerity of heart. Help us to practice being honest in all our affairs and not merely seek to gain advantage for ourselves.  When we are impressed with something that has been done right, help us to give a compliment with sincerity.  When we have done something wrong, help us to take responsibility and apologize with sincere regret and a willingness to make things right. 

So, Heavenly Father, Please work in us today so that any character defects that would keep us from being sincere are brought to light and removed.  Amen

There is a peace of mind and sense of well being that comes when we walk in sincerity.  Jesus said that we would know freedom as we walked in truth.  Let’s have  that kind of day today. 

Further Encouraging Thoughts For Today

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