 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.”

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

 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.

 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.

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

 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).

 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).

 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).