“Be honest in your judgment, and do not be swayed by the opinions of the crowd.” – Exodus 23:2
Being Honest with Ourselves
When we talk about being real, we must start with honesty. Being real means understanding who we are and accepting ourselves fully. The Bible encourages us to be true not just to others but also to ourselves. It reminds us that honesty is foundational to a good relationship with God and with each other. In being real, we are called to reflect on our own hearts and acknowledge our weaknesses, failings, and struggles. It is through this honest self-reflection that we can commence on a path towards genuine growth and transformation. We learn that being real is not about achieving perfection, but rather about being authentic and open. God values our authenticity. When we are honest with ourselves, we open the door for God’s grace to work in us.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
1 John 1:8
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
The Importance of Authentic Relationships
Being real is essential in building authentic relationships. God calls us to love and support one another authentically, which means being honest and open. When we are true to ourselves and others, we create a space where genuine connections can flourish. This transparency allows us to encourage and uplift one another in faith. We recognize that none of us are perfect, which helps us to empathize with the struggles of our friends and family. By sharing our vulnerabilities and experiences, we deepen our bonds and create a supportive community. God’s word teaches us that true love is patient and kind. The beauty of these authentic relationships is that they mirror the love and acceptance we receive from God. We should strive to build connections that reflect this realness.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Embracing Our Imperfections
In our desire to be real, embracing imperfections is a key aspect. None of us are perfect, and accepting this truth allows us to move away from the pressure to appear flawless. God understands our hearts and our shortcomings. When we accept and acknowledge our imperfections, we can stop living in the shadows of guilt and shame. Instead, we can walk in the light of His grace, which liberates us from the burden of comparison and self-doubt. By recognizing our vulnerabilities, we gain strength and resilience. It helps us to realize that each stumble can lead us closer to Christ, who is committed to making us whole. God does not see our flaws as a failure but as an opportunity for His grace to shine through us.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Philippians 3:12
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17
2 Corinthians 3:5
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” – 2 Corinthians 3:5
Matthew 5:48
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48
Living Out Our Identity
As we embrace being real, it is crucial to understand our identity in Christ. When we reflect on our true identity as children of God, we begin to operate from a place of love and acceptance. This identity shapes our behavior and attitudes toward ourselves and others. We learn that our worth is not based on our achievements or opinions of others. Rather, it comes from being a beloved child of God. This understanding empowers us to be authentic and real in every area of our lives. It also means that we can extend grace to those around us, remembering that everyone is on their own journey. By living out this authentic identity, we can represent Christ’s love in everything we do.
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Romans 8:17
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” – Romans 8:17
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” – 2 Peter 1:3
Colossians 3:3
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Being real sometimes requires us to display our vulnerabilities. This is not always easy, but God calls us to find strength in our weaknesses. In fact, it is through our vulnerabilities that God’s grace is often displayed in the most powerful ways. Learning to share our struggles allows us to connect with others meaningfully and encourages them to embrace their realities. We can confidently approach God with our fears and doubts, trusting that He will meet us in our need. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; rather, it reflects our trust in God and our willingness to be authentic in our relationships with others. By showing our true selves, we set an example for others to be real as well.
2 Corinthians 12:10
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Hebrews 4:15-16
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15-16
Walking in Truth and Love
To be real is to walk in truth and love. The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in love. Authenticity does not mean we say whatever comes to mind without consideration. Instead, it means sharing our hearts while honoring others. Being real means we can express love and compassion in our interactions. It embodies our Christian calling to reflect God’s love to others. By speaking the truth in love, we build trust and demonstrate that we value genuine relationships. Our call is to balance honesty with kindness, and when we achieve this, we create environments where others feel safe to also be real. It is through this truth and love that our relationships are strengthened.
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
1 Corinthians 13:6
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” – 1 Corinthians 13:6
Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9
Final Thoughts
Being real is an essential part of our Christian walk. Through honesty, we find strength and the ability to grow. Embracing our identities as children of God encourages us to accept ourselves and others. Living authentically fosters genuine relationships, making our community stronger. We learn that imperfections are not a hinderance but rather avenues for God’s grace. Vulnerability enables us to connect more deeply with those around us, reflecting the love of Christ. As we walk in truth and love, we fulfill our calling to be genuine representatives of God’s heart in the world.
Let us continually strive to be real, encouraging one another through our ups and downs. If you’re interested in exploring more about ourselves in light of God’s Word, check out our articles about self-acceptance and being humble. There is so much more to discover as we journey through our faith together.