“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” – Ro 12:9

Sincerity and trust are at the heart of all relationships and dealings amongst people and institutions. In ancient Roman times, from its Latin roots, the word “sincere” means “without wax”. A business transaction that was so open and transparent that it did not require the usual seal of wax to complete the transaction or maintain the relationship. The vendor’s reputation was sufficient to seal the deal. In those days the sculptors also used wax to cover up the defects in their workmanships. When the wax melted in the heat of summer, people would know that these workmanships were not authentic.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite.” The men around King David were mere outcast of his days but they were definitely a sincere team, helping him in establishing his kingdom. Attitude is more important than aptitude in building trust within a team. We must confess it is quite impossible to have the right attitude to sincerely love those who always gets on our nerves. But if we confess our weakness before the Lord to ask for His help through obedience to the truth, the truth will set us free. “Now you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart.” (1Pe 1:22)

Praise God that as His children, our relationship with Him is sealed by the Holy Spirit. (Eph 1:13) When the love of God is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will enable us to love the people around us with sincerity. (Ro 5:5; Gal 5:22)

Let’s pray.

Lord, I confess sometimes it is so difficult to sincerely love those who are opposing me. Please give me the grace and strength to love them as you do. Amen.

Before we go, take a look at the questions below:

1. Charles Spurgeon highly valued sincerity. Do you agree with his viewpoint? Why or why not?

2. How do you think sincerity and trust in team relationships can help the team achieve its goals more effectively?

3. How can we genuinely love those who are against us by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit? What significance does this have for Christians?