SINCERITY: A CHARACTERISTIC OF JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS

Are you a “mechanical” or “theological” Christian?
In other words, do you do and say all the things
that “look good”, but there is no (or little) sincerity involved?

When you ask someone, “How are you?”, do you really want to know?
Are you prepared to show true sympathy (or empathy), concern,
and listen when they tell you they are hurting?
Or do you prefer that they say something nice
so you can start telling them what you planned to say?

Do you say something like, “I’ll be praying for you”,
and then forget to pray, or maybe you pray, but that’s it?
Do you fail to follow up with them later
and sincerely ask how they are doing.

Do you try to encourage them
and assure them that you are still praying for them?
Have you ever said, “Let me know if you need anything”
but privately you hope they never call on you for help?

Do any of these sound like the sincerity Jesus
(the one we are following), had (and has), for others?

If you find that any of this describes you, try some things like:

Ask someone how they are doing with a hope and expectation
that they will feel comfortable enough to share their problems
and concerns with you.

Whenever you know someone is hurting, make a special effort
to follow-up with them often and assure them they are not alone
in their struggles, because you are faithfully praying for them
on a daily basis.

Ask someone if there is anything specific
that you can pray about for them.

Do something for someone with absolutely no expectations of
anything in return (including an expression of thankfulness).

Try doing something to encourage someone else
without them knowing it was you.

Send a card of encouragement
and anonymously sign it as “a good friend who cares”.

As followers of Jesus, we need to mimic His actions,
His characteristics, His love, and His sincerity.