Sincerity in Love

This is lesson 2 in a series called “KNOW LOVE” a study of 1 John. In this series, I hope to challenge you to know the love of God, walk in love, be sincere in love, truthful in love and confident because of love. This starts with understanding what love really is, and there is no greater love than the story of Jesus Christ! To know Him and understand that we can be assured of forgiveness and salvation, not because of what we do, but because of what He has already done and is doing in and through us.

Sincerity is the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. Integrity is another important synonym of sincerity. Truthful, honest and open about who you are and what you love. Sincerity in love is the foundation of any relationship that wants to last. It’s one of the characteristics of a relationship that everyone wants…”does this person really love me?”

From romantic relationships, to friendships, we all want to know where we stand with each other. It’s not different in our faith. The apostle John writes in chapters 2-3 how to be authentic in your love for God. What he says is nothing new, but an old commandment that God has been saying from the beginning of time. It starts with our love for God and trickles from there into our love for others.

But we must be watchful as there are those who pretend to be talking about true love and God’s love, but they are not sincere. They are denying God and His Word by twisting truth in to a lie. They talk about love in a worldly way and distort the beautiful picture God has given us. The promote, “God just wants us to be happy,” and “if you love me you’ll let me do what I want,” and “don’t judge me!” Instead of recognizing that Jesus came into the world to put an end to sin and for us to pursue purity and righteousness.

In the midst of this chaotic world, God has provided a way for us to become Children of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. He has poured out His love for us to have hope in this life and the life to come. He desires us to have an eternal perspective and to prepare for the next life by pursuing purity in this life.

John warns us though, that talk is cheap! We can’t just tell people that God loves them, we have to also show it. Authentic love, sincere love is not just a platform to preach from, it is a lifestyle to own. Jesus said, “they will know you are my disciples by your love for each other!” Sincere love is a tangible love. It flows from our love for God and then toward others.

There is no better summary than this: “God demonstrated His love toward us in this, while we were still sinning, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Come to God humbly and with sincerity and allow the Holy Spirit to bring hope and confidence into your life as you walk with Him.