Genuine
<<real, authentic>>
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.