Genuine

<<real, authentic>>

Our lifestyle must match what we say. It is not just sufficient to claim we are Christians, we are to prove by what we do that we are His children. “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did”, therefore “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness” (Mt 7:21; 2 Tim 2:19; 1 Jn 1:6, 2:4-6). Words are cheap; it

Do we genuinely love Jesus? – John 21:16

is not sufficient to say we love God, we must choose to make Him first in our lives, sincerely meaning what we say by corresponding actions, not being like, “The people [who] come near me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Isa 29:13). Jesus called the religious leaders of His day, hypocrites because of their double standards – they gave a false outward impression of godliness while inwardly they were far from righteous (Mt 23:27,28). They were not what they portrayed themselves to be.

Paul wrote to his readers, “Timothy takes a genuine interest in your welfare” (Phil 2:20). Genuine love is expressed in corresponding action – it is more than just nice sentiment (Jas 2:15-17). Do I care deeply for the wellbeing of others or is it just a token gesture? The testing of our faith in Christ through trials will prove if we are really committed to Christ (1 Pet 1:7).

See also: false, honesty, truth.