Sincere: Living a Genuine, Wholehearted Faith

Sincerity is the desirable character quality of being pure, without corruption, genuine and true. It is the opposite of the hypocritical, outward, deceptive stance. This article looks at what the Bible teaches about wholehearted devotion, honest worship, and why sincerity must still be anchored in truth.

What Sincerity Means

Only those who sincerely repent and believe are granted pardon, because God is not impressed with pretence. This applies both to our initial salvation experience and throughout our ongoing Christian walk when we have sinned. Genuine repentance results in change – there will be fruit to show for the about-face (Mt 3:8). The Bible records that the early believers were wholeheartedly focused on God and on the new-found faith they had entered into, with His love enabling them to serve others with “glad and sincere hearts” (Act 2:46-47).

There is no other way to heaven except by repentance and accepting the gift of salvation that Jesus died to provide. He alone is the door – no one comes to the Father except through Him (Jn 10:9; 14:6). Salvation is God’s free gift, received by faith and not earned by our own works, so that no one can boast (Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). No amount of sincerity, effort or good deeds can purchase what only Christ’s sacrifice supplies (Rom 3:20-24; Gal 2:16); sincere effort cannot substitute for salvation – working for it is simply not an option. What God asks for is a humble, repentant heart and wholehearted trust in His Son (Act 3:19; 16:31).

Sincerity in Worship and Conduct

Jesus said if people say they honour God but their hearts are not right or sincere, their worship is just a worthless show (Mt 15:8-9). This outward veneer may fool some people, but certainly not God, who sees even the motives of our heart. Words are easy to say; the test comes in doing what we say we will do with sincerity of heart (Col 3:23-24; Jas 1:22; 1 Jn 3:18). Our love and faith must also be sincere (Rom 12:9; 2 Cor 6:4-6; 1 Tim 1:5).

Is my devotion for God wholehearted or just a mask?

Sincere but Wrong: The Need for Truth

Although they may be sincere in their beliefs, people will be wrong if their ideas are not based on the truth; this may be termed doing what seems right in their own eyes (Jdg 17:6; Jn 4:20-24, 8:32). Apollos was sincere, although sincerely wrong about an important matter, and until instructed more fully in the Christian faith he had an incomplete message (Act 18:24-28). Thus, it is vital to ensure the foundation we build on is true – Jesus said, He is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6).

There is a way that seems right to a person, yet its end is death (Prov 14:12) – sincerity alone is no guarantee of a safe road. That is why we must keep evaluating everything we take into our lives, holding each conviction, influence and habit up to the light and asking: is it true? Only what passes that test deserves a place in a wholehearted life. Satan wants to divert us off the path of life.

The need for ongoing vigilence

Just as Paul could honestly say that all his dealings were pure, sincere and with integrity of heart, and that he was depending on the Lord rather than his own ability, our love will be sincere when our heart is cleansed from selfishness (2 Cor 1:12; 1 Pet 1:22).

Reflection and Application:

Ask God to search your heart: is your devotion wholehearted, or partly a mask worn for others?
Match your words with your actions by following through on what you say you will do.
Test your beliefs against the truth of Scripture, so that sincerity is not misplaced.
Confirm you are trusting in Christ’s finished work alone for salvation, not in your own sincere efforts or good deeds.