Live Out Your Christian Faith Sincerely

What comes to mind when you hear the word "sincere"? Sincerity is selfless, expecting nothing in return; sincerity shows no partiality, and does things not for some particular purpose. However, sincerity is seen not only in how someone treats certain people kindly, but also in how that person treats others.

The sincerity of a kind person who gives and sacrifices only for certain people deserves to be questioned. Of course, this happens for various reasons. Perhaps certain people—the famous, those with position, power, or good looks—can bring them some advantage. Or, there may be hidden motives behind their actions.

If the things above are so common, is there any way to know a person's sincerity? Does a sincere heart still matter in this age full of schemes? And how can we live out the Christian faith sincerely?

Sincere People Behold the Face of God

For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; the upright will behold His face. – Psalm 11:7

As Christians, we must be different people. Sincerity has become a rare thing in the world, whether in friendship, special relationships, ministry, or work. More often, people tend to do good because they expect something in return.

Yet our God is perfectly just and the giver of justice, and He delights in those who are sincere in heart. Whatever you do, if it is not done sincerely, it will be worthless in His sight. God Cannot Be Deceived “I, the LORD, search the heart and test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” – Jeremiah 17:10

Give thanks that our God is a God who cannot be deceived. No matter how well we hide our motives, God knows the depths of our hearts us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. And one day, we will receive a reward according to our deeds.

The Purity of Faith Comes from a Sincere Heart

But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. – Jude 1:20 

Build your Christian life on a faith that springs from the most sincere heart. How? Make these two things your habit:

1. Loving Sincerely

Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth, so that you can practice sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly with all your heart. – 1 Peter 1:22

Mahatma Gandhi, a world figure who fought for civil rights and freedom through nonviolence, said that he liked Christ, but did not like Christians. At first, Gandhi was drawn to Christianity, which knew no caste, and even began studying the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.

Then, one Sunday, Gandhi (who at that time worked in South Africa) came to a church dominated by white congregants. When he was about to enter, a church worker stopped him and said there was no place available for him. Gandhi left disappointed, and from that time on he no longer wanted to become a Christian.

Above all: love one another earnestly Titus 2:10... – 1 Peter 4:8a

Why should sincere love become the lifestyle of Christians? Because through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has given an example of loving sincerely. His desire to be close to God the Father did not outweigh His desire to be close to humanity. So, as His followers, we too are obliged to practice sincere love like His.

... not cheating, but showing complete sincerity and faithfulness, so that in every way they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior. – Titus 2:10

Let us not practice love in a deceitful way. For example, by showing favoritism, with wrong motives, or with certain interests. When we love sincerely, we glorify the teaching of Jesus.

2. Giving Sincerely

Each one should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

God does not need gifts or service offered reluctantly or without a willing heart.  He only accepts gifts and service done with joy. Our all-giving God wants His followers to have hearts that gladly give sincerely, joyfully, and with right motives.

A person who gives sincerely will not complain, will not be calculating, will not expect anything in return, and will not give halfheartedly. Nor will they seek empty praise or merely want to look good.

In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus taught His disciples not to invite their friends, brothers, relatives, or rich neighbors to their banquets, because they would surely be able to repay them. Instead, Jesus told them to invite the poor and the disabled.

“And you will be blessed, because they have nothing with which to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:14 

Yes, Jesus challenges His followers to give to those who are unable to repay the gift, because our reward comes from God. So even if our giving or service does not receive the return we  hoped for—a thank-you, appreciation, respect, or recognition—we can still be joyful. Why? Because God Himself will repay it!

Besides the two things above, there are still many other habits that you can practice with a sincere heart. Let us live out our Christian faith together with sincere love and giving. Amen. - References: www.christiantoday.co.in/article/mahatma.gandhi.and.christianity/2837.htm id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi - Church GKDI currently exists in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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