The Power Of Relationships: Sincerity

It’s easy to impress people with our strengths, but real connections are forged through our shared weaknesses –  Craig Groeschel.

No Wax

According to Wikipedia, old folk etymology states that the word sincere was derived from sine cera, which means without wax. In ancient Greece and Rome, unscrupulous sculptors would use wax to cover up defects and cracks in their work. The wax with no color would conceal the defect and go unnoticeable to the buyer. It was only over time or when exposed to heat that the cover-up was revealed. Living a no-wax life means being transparent even with our flaws and weaknesses. You will be surprised by how far the currency of sincerity goes into deepening relationships. 

The Currency of Sincerity

As a husband and father, I realize that what I say and do carries significant weight. Like a brick can be used to build or break, my words and actions can do the same. Every day, I choose whether to use my moments with my family to build or break it. Applying sincerity is essential because it is a key component of trust. When we are sincere, we are being honest and genuine with others. This allows them to trust us and believe we have their best interests at heart. Sincerity causes others to be open and honest with us in return. Relational depth grows through the currency of sincerity. Our relationships develop to the extent we choose to be honest, open, and transparent (HOT). Practicing these three vital inputs in your relationships will lead to transformational relationships. Relationships are less about being right or perfect and more about being authentic. 

How to have H.O.T Relationships

Using the acronym HOT, we can translate sincerity into a practical and effective template for our relationships:

1. Honest: Honesty is essential to building and maintaining trust in a relationship. When you’re honest with someone, it shows that you respect and value them. It creates a safe space for open communication and vulnerability, key ingredients for value-based relationships. Honesty builds and strengthens the cords of trust, respect, commitment, and security, fostering an environment for relationships to thrive. 

2. Open: Being open in a relationship is like opening a window in a stuffy room—it lets fresh air in and allows for growth and connection. By prioritizing openness in your relationships, you can create deeper connections that will enrich your life and the lives of those you care about. Openness is essential for building lasting and fulfilling relationships. It makes a strong foundation that can weather challenges and deepen over time.

3. Transparent: Transparency builds trust, but pretense breaks it. Trust cannot exist without transparency. When we pretend or hide in our relationships, genuine connection is corroded because we isolate ourselves and become cul-de-sacs.  Pretense is corrosive to relationships. It consumes authenticity, leaving relationships broken. Transparency is the cure for the relationship corrosion caused by pretense and hiding. Transparency eliminates the breeding ground for suspicion and doubt and promotes empathy. Make transparency a priority in your relationships. 

Relationships are less about being right or perfect and more about being authentic. 

Final Thought: To build value-based and transformational relationships, we must choose sincerity and apply it through honesty, openness, and transparency. Two things will be unmistakably evident: there will be no room for wax, and you will have HOT relationships. Stay HOT!

Keep on keeping on.