Being real, or authentic, is something the Bible encourages. Scripture teaches us to live honestly, without pretense, and to be true to who God created us to be, reflecting His image in our thoughts, words, and actions while maintaining humility and integrity.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Giving Birth
What Does The Bible Say About Being Real
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being real and trustworthy in our interactions with others. God values honesty and integrity, and when we choose to be genuine and truthful, we align ourselves with His character.
Being real requires us to be authentic in our thoughts, words, and actions. It means being genuine and transparent, without wearing masks or pretending to be someone we’re not. By being real, we build strong relationships based on trust and attract others who appreciate our authenticity.
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
In this psalm, the author demonstrates the desire to be real before God. They openly invite God to examine their heart, thoughts, and actions, revealing a willingness to be vulnerable and transparent.
When we allow God to search us and reveal any areas of offense, we position ourselves to grow and change. Being real with God means acknowledging our shortcomings and sins, seeking His forgiveness and guidance, and allowing Him to lead us on the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
This verse highlights the guiding power of integrity and warns against the dangers of being two-faced or deceitful. When we choose to be real and uphold moral values, we are led by a moral compass that directs our decisions and actions.
On the other hand, duplicity and a lack of integrity can lead to destruction. Pretending to be someone we’re not or engaging in deceitful practices may provide temporary gains but ultimately leads to broken trust and negative consequences.
1 Peter 2:1-2
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
In this passage, followers of Christ are encouraged to let go of falsehood, envy, and slander and instead desire spiritual growth and nourishment. Being real entails abandoning negative behaviors and attitudes that hinder our spiritual maturity.
As newborn babies crave milk for sustenance, we should crave the nourishment that comes from God’s Word and His presence. By doing so, we allow God to transform us and develop genuine character traits that reflect His love and truth.
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Being real requires us to put off falsehoods and instead speak truthfully to those around us. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to uphold honesty and authenticity in our relationships.
When we speak truthfully, we foster a culture of trust and unity within the Christian community. It allows us to build genuine connections and support one another in love, demonstrating the truth and grace of Christ through our words and actions.
Galatians 6:4
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
Being real means understanding our own actions and motives, rather than comparing ourselves to others. When we focus on personal growth and progress, free from the comparison trap, we can find true contentment and fulfillment.
God has uniquely designed each of us with different gifts, talents, and purposes. Instead of measuring our worth based on others’ achievements or appearances, we should focus on being real and faithful to the calling God has placed on our lives.
James 5:12
“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”
Being real encompasses honesty in our speech. This verse advises against making false oaths and instead encourages simple and truthful communication.
When we speak truthfully and avoid making empty promises, we demonstrate respect for others and uphold our integrity. Being real means letting our words align with our actions, avoiding manipulation or deceitful tactics that can lead to condemnation.
Colossians 3:9-10
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Being real involves shedding our old self, with its deceptive practices, and embracing the new self that is continually being transformed into the image of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in sincerity and truth.
By rejecting lies and deception, we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s character. Being real is an ongoing process of transformation as we conform to the image of our Creator.
John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Being real involves embracing the truth and allowing it to set us free. Jesus Himself proclaimed that knowing the truth leads to freedom.
When we choose to be real, living in honesty and authenticity, we experience liberation from the bondage of pretense and falsehood. The truth reveals a life-giving perspective and frees us from the burdens of hiding, enabling us to live in the fullness of God’s grace and love.
Psalm 15:2
“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”
Being real means speaking the truth from the heart and living a blameless and righteous life. This verse describes the attributes of a person who walks in integrity.
When we choose to be real with ourselves and others, aligning our words and actions with God’s truth, we reflect His character and bring glory to His name. Living in righteousness and truth requires a genuine commitment to walk in obedience to God’s commands.
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.”
Being real involves speaking the truth in love. This verse highlights that truthful communication should be accompanied by a spirit of love and a desire for growth and maturity in Christ.
When we choose to speak the truth in love, we foster an environment of acceptance, understanding, and growth within the body of Christ. Our words become conduits for building others up rather than tearing them down, allowing the love and truth of Christ to be evident in all our interactions.
1 Timothy 1:5
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
Being real requires a genuine love that flows from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Love should be the guiding force behind all our thoughts, words, and actions.
When our hearts are transformed by God’s love and our faith is sincere, we are empowered to love others authentically. Being real means showing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to those around us, reflecting the unconditional love of Christ.
Proverbs 16:13
“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.”
This verse highlights the value of honesty and righteousness in our speech. Leaders appreciate those who speak with integrity and truth.
Being real means speaking honestly, even when the truth is difficult or unpopular. When we prioritize truthfulness in our words, we gain the respect and trust of others, positioning ourselves as people of influence who can contribute to positive change and transformation.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Being real involves purging ourselves of negative speech and harmful language. This verse reminds us to let go of anger, malice, and slander, embracing a speech filled with grace and truth.
When we choose to be real in our communication, we avoid engaging in gossip, demeaning others, or using inappropriate language. Instead, we strive to speak words that build up and encourage, promoting unity and peace within our relationships.
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”
Being real involves speaking the truth to one another and rendering fair judgment. This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in our daily interactions and in our roles as judges or decision-makers.
When we prioritize truth in our conversations and demonstrate fairness in our judgments, we contribute to the establishment of justice and righteousness in society. Being real extends beyond personal relationships and encompasses our responsibility to promote truth and justice in the world around us.
Psalm 51:6
“Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.”
This verse acknowledges God’s desire for faithfulness and wisdom from the very beginning. Being real means embracing the wisdom imparted by God in the depths of our being.
God desires for us to live authentic lives, rooted in His wisdom and guided by His teachings. When we seek His guidance and surrender to His will, we can live lives of truth and faithfulness, reflecting His character in all we say and do.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Being real involves aligning every aspect of our lives with Christ. This verse challenges us to do everything in the name of the Lord, living out our faith in both our words and deeds.
When we choose to be real, our thoughts, words, and actions are centered on bringing glory to God. We recognize that our lives are a reflection of our relationship with Him and choose to live in a way that honors and pleases Him.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Being real involves demonstrating love through our actions and living a life founded on truth. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere words or empty promises and show our love for others through tangible acts of kindness and compassionate service.
When we love in both action and truth, we exemplify the love of Christ and make a lasting impact on those around us. Being real means being intentional about living out our faith and allowing our actions to speak louder than words.
Proverbs 12:19
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
This verse reminds us of the lasting impact of truthfulness and the fleeting nature of lies. Being real involves embracing the truth, recognizing that it stands the test of time.
When we choose to be real in our speech, our words carry weight and leave a lasting impression. Lies, on the other hand, may provide temporary relief or advantage but eventually crumble under the weight of deceit. Being real means valuing the enduring power of truth over temporary gains.
Proverbs 28:23
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
Being real involves speaking the truth, even if it involves rebuking or correcting someone. This verse highlights the importance of honest feedback and rebuke over flattery.
When we choose to speak the truth in love, even in difficult circumstances, we demonstrate genuine care for others’ well-being. By offering constructive criticism and truthfully addressing issues, we enhance relationships and foster personal growth.
Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Being real includes calling upon the Lord in truth and openness. This verse assures us that God is close to those who seek Him with honesty and sincerity.
When we approach God with authenticity and transparency, laying our concerns, fears, and desires before Him, we invite His presence and guidance into our lives. Being real in our relationship with God deepens our intimacy with Him and strengthens our faith.
Matthew 15:8
“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”
This verse exposes the danger of mere lip service without genuine heart engagement. Being real entails an authentic connection with God that goes beyond external rituals or empty religious practices.
When we worship God sincerely, with hearts fully devoted to Him, our lives bear witness to the transformation and renewal that comes from a deep relationship with Him. Being real in our worship involves a genuine desire to honor God not only with our words but also with our whole being.
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Being real in worship requires an engagement of both the spirit and truth. This verse emphasizes that true worship is not confined to a specific location or external rituals but involves an authentic connection with God.
When we worship in the Spirit and truth, we open ourselves to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our worship becomes a genuine expression of our love, reverence, and surrender to God, transcending external appearances or superficial practices.