The two words in the title above have very interesting origins. We will explore these origins, and especially how they relate to love.

Our English word “sincerity” comes to us from the Latin language. In Latin “sin” means “without,” “cera” means “wax.” Thus, the meaning is “without wax.” In times of old, it was common for the statue makers to fill in the flaws of the statues with wax. It looked good, but what you were seeing really wasn’t how it was. It only appeared to be that way. Under bright light and careful examination the cover-up could be seen. The best of sculptures used no wax.

Even the Greek word “eilikrineia” translated “sincerity” carries the similar idea. The original word has to do with clearness, after being judged by sunlight to be found clear.

Our love is not to be one way in actuality, but another way on the surface. Our love is to be sincere (Philippians 1:9-10). 1 John 3:18, “…let us not love in word, or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

The word “hypocrisy” comes into English directly from the Greek language. The word was used for being an actor,  playing a part on  stage.

We, as God’s children, should not just be acting or pretending as if we care about one another. Romans 12:9a  reads, “Let love be without hypocrisy.”

God does not want His children being on the surface one thing but underneath something else. He does not want us just playing a role and repeating lines without meaning it. He wants us to genuinely care for one another. May we truely love one another. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).