Sincerity English Words The Concise Oxford English Dictionary

Sincerity

English Words � The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines the adjective “sincere” as “proceeding from or characterized by genuine feelings; free from pretence or deceit. ” � Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “sincere” as “(1) free of dissimulation or adulteration; (2) marked by genuineness. ” � In like manner, “sincerity” refers to “the quality or state of being sincere: honesty of mind: freedom from hypocrisy. ”

Biblical Occurrences � The words “sincere, ” “sincerely” and “sincerity” occur in 16 NASB passages, and are translated from a variety of Hebrew and Greek words.

Greek Words � Alēthinos pertains to being in accord with what is true, trustworthy; to being in accordance with fact, true; pertains to being real, genuine, authentic. � Anupokritos (lit. , “without play-acting”) pertains to being without pretense, genuine, sincere, unhypocritical, unfeigned.

Greek Words � Haplotēs (cp. our colloq. “what you see is what you get”) is used of personal integrity expressed in word or action, singleness, hence simplicity, sincerity. � Aphelotēs (lit. , “without a stone, even, smooth”) signifies simplicity, singleness. � Gnēsios pertains to possession of apparent or reputed good character or quality, genuine.

Greek Words � Eilikrineia, refers to the quality or state of being free of dissimulation, sincerity, purity of motive. � Eilikrinēs (lit. , “judged by sunlight”) generally means “‘unmixed, without alloy, ’ then in moral sense pertains to being sincere, without hidden motives or pretense, pure.

Sincerity � We must evidence sincerity of conviction (Josh. 24: 14 -15; 1 Tim. 1: 5; 2 Pet. 3: 12). � We must evidence sincerity in communion (Acts 2: 46 -47; 1 Cor. 5: 6 -8; 2 Cor. 8: 7 -11; Heb. 10: 19 -25).

Sincerity � We must evidence sincerity in communication (Isa. 33: 14 -16; 2 Cor. 2: 14 -17). � We must evidence sincerity in commerce (Eph. 6: 5 -8; Col. 3: 22 -25). � We must evidence sincerity of conduct (2 Cor. 1: 12 -14; Phil. 1: 9 -11; 1 Pet. 1: 22 -23).

Conclusion � In conclusion, let us consider one final point: Sincerity, by itself, is not enough. Job’s three friends (Bildad, Eliphaz, Zophar) and also Elihu (the youngest of his “comforters”) were sincere (Job 33: 1 -3), but wrong in their assessment of God’s character and the patriarch’s suffering (Job 42: 7 -9). � In like manner, Paul was sincere but wrong in his assessment of Jesus Christ and His faithful followers (Acts 23: 1, 9 -11).

Challenge � Let us strive to be sincere, while also striving to be right. Acceptable worship is offered in spirit, i. e. , according to the right attitude, and also in truth, i. e. , according to the proper form (John 4: 23 -24). � Heeding the admonition of the inspired apostle, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Tim. 4: 16).