Are we authentic in the way we relate to people?Today's Scripture:
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Roman 12:9-10
In the Middle East during biblical times, clay pots were a valuable resource. They were also fragile. It wasn't uncommon for pots to receive a crack or two on the way to the marketplace, which meant they were no longer watertight. Sometimes merchants would fill in the cracks with wax and try to pass the pots off as unblemished. Because of that unscrupulous practice, pots that were whole and complete were referred to as sincere, meaning "without wax."
Hypocrites are cracked pots, riddled with wax. They try to pass themselves off as something they're not.
Being authentic means being sincere in the way you relate to others.
This means letting people see you for who you really are. It also means treating others in a way that reflects who they really are - unique individuals dearly loved by God.
Love has to be sincere. If it isn't, it isn't love at all. The versus that follow this passage paint a picture of what a sincere person looks like: patient, prayerful, hospitable, generous, empathic, a true servant. But the key to all these characteristics lies in a person's sincerity. Being an authentically sincere person doesn't mean you're perfect. It simply means that people who are real before God allow more of God's character to shine through them. God's Spirit gives you the combination of courage and humility it takes to be open and honest with others and to keep your character wax-free.
Selah people' and friends Jesus was totally authentic in the way he related to people. His sincerity helped make him an approachable and reliable teacher and friend. Consider how authenticity affects your own relationships.
"Peace be with you as you remember with me what is truly the "Real Thing."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)
Posts
