“Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.” –Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America in a letter to Edwin M Stanton, July 14, 1864 (Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, v7, p440, Rutgers University)

“Sincerely yours” is a familiar signature in letters, often signaling that the writer’s intentions are genuine. It conveys honesty, a lack of deception, and a heart unclouded by ulterior motives. In an age where words are often manipulated for personal gain, sincerity is a rare and precious virtue.

 This concept of purity in motive and thought is echoed in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount when He declares,

 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” 

(Matthew 5:8).

Our actions and words are often mixed with self-preservation or hidden agendas. Our hearts betray us even when we strive for righteousness, for sin is woven into the human condition.

 We may consider ourselves a “Sincerely yours” person, but can we genuinely claim sincerity in all we do? Or is it more, “Sin-cerely yours?” 

Despite our shortcomings, this hillside sermon whispers on the backroads of our minds as believers in Christ, securing a form of character to be exhibited that is rich, deep and inexhaustible. Through His perfect sacrifice, God makes us sincerely His, belonging to the One whose heart is pure and whose love is unfailing.

Prayer: 

Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, fill me with clean thoughts and right desires. Do not toss me aside or banish me forever from your presence. Do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to Sincerely Yours. Amen (from Psalm 51)