The Platitudes of The Pulpit: Sincere Malice.

A message to Believers

Sincere Malice, Empty Words, and the Truth of God’s Work.

In times of uncertainty, people seek comfort. They want reassurance, hope, and something to hold onto. Unfortunately, many turn to platitudes and clichés—phrases that sound wise but lack depth. These empty words, though often spoken with good intentions, can mislead rather than guide.

One of the most common phrases heard in churches today is, “God is about to do something in your life.” It’s vague, it’s overused, and it often fails to provide real insight. This phrase, when spoken without discernment, becomes what I call sincere malice—harmful words spoken with good intentions.

But what if we stopped waiting for what God is about to do and instead focused on what God is already doing? Too often, people are told to anticipate some miraculous moment rather than recognizing God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life.

Platitudes, clichés, and sincere malice are spoken with the intent to encourage, but they often act as distractions. Platitudes are statements meant to comfort but often lack real meaning. Clichés are phrases repeated so often that they lose their impact. Sincere malice is when these empty words are spoken with good intentions but ultimately deceive.

In the context of preachers and biblical teachings, these phrases can become spiritual gaslighting—offering false hope without substance. People cling to them because they need something to grasp onto, but in reality, they are holding onto an empty box.

Consider some of the most commonly used phrases: “Everything happens for a reason,” “God will never give you more than you can handle,” and “God is about to do something in your life.” These statements may sound comforting, but they often fail to address the real struggles people face. Instead of offering wisdom, they serve as filler words—a way to avoid deeper conversations.

Preachers frequently use the phrase, “God is about to do something in your life.” But what does that actually mean? Often, the signs they reference are just ordinary life events—things that happen to everyone, everywhere. A preacher may say that because you’ve faced hardship or uncertainty, God is about to do something incredible, but the reality is that struggle is a natural part of life. The phrase lacks specificity, making it applicable to anyone at any time. It creates false expectations, where people wait for something dramatic instead of recognizing God’s presence in everyday life. When nothing extraordinary happens, people feel abandoned or misled, questioning if they have somehow missed God’s move.

Unlike vague modern-day phrases, the Bible contains specific moments where God was truly about to act. One example is when Moses told the Israelites, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will perform for you today.” This was not empty reassurance—it was followed by the parting of the Red Sea, an undeniable act of deliverance.

Elijah also spoke with certainty when he challenged the prophets of Baal. He declared that God would send fire from heaven, and moments later, fire consumed his offering. Jesus spoke with clarity when He told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come, and at Pentecost, that promise was fulfilled. These moments were not vague—they were specific, timely, and followed by real action.

Instead of waiting for what God is about to do, we should focus on what God is already doing. This shift in perspective allows us to see the ways in which God is moving right now, rather than simply hoping for something in the future. Joseph’s journey is a perfect example. He suffered betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, but God was working through every step, shaping his path. When he finally saw the full picture, he told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Paul’s transformation was another moment where God acted in real-time. On the road to Damascus, Paul was struck by divine intervention. God didn’t tell him that something would happen eventually—God interrupted his life immediately, changing his direction and his purpose.

Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is not just planning to do something—He is already at work. The verse says, “Behold, I am doing something new! Now it will spring up; Will you not be aware of it?” This scripture challenges us to not just anticipate God’s work but to recognize it as it unfolds.

People need hope, but they don’t need empty words. They don’t need vague promises about what might happen—they need to recognize what is happening now. Instead of offering spiritual filler, we should encourage deep discernment, guiding people toward real wisdom rather than leaving them with hollow comfort.

Hope isn’t found in an empty box—it’s found in truth, in recognizing God’s presence, and in understanding that He is working even in the quiet, unseen moments of life.