Character Defect Insincerity

We all long to be genuine and sincere in our relationship with God and with others and yet we often find ourselves being fake and insincere.  Self-centeredness, fear, co-dependency, approval seeking, irritation and control issues are just a few of the things that push us over the slippery slope to that ugly place where we are not truthful in what we are saying and are actually hiding from what is going on inside us.

It's time to stop pretending.  We need to say what we mean and mean what we say.  We need to speak the truth with kindness, admit when we are wrong, and forgive others when they fail.  If we make plans, we need to keep them, even when it is inconvenient.  When we say we care, we need to really listen and perhaps lend a hand.  We need to watch our words and quit the negative talk and gossip.  If we have a problem with someone, we need to learn how to talk it out in a healthy way.  We don't know everything and can't always attend to someone else’s need.  We need to become genuine and humble, admitting our limits.  We need to remember what we can do in the light of how far we have come.  Rather than making insincere and foolish promises we know we can't keep, we need to have respect for the circumstances and say "No" or "I can't" to the person asking for help.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (Romans 12:9, 1 John 3:18 NIRV)

Prayer:  Loving God, you are faithful and sincere in all Your ways.  Teach me to be truthful and kind in every circumstance.  Please forgive me when I falter.  Amen

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