"Whilst it may be relatively easy to deceive oneself., . . ."

With all respect, dear Tri, I have to disagree with you on this.  I don't think it's easy at all to deceive ourselves.  Of course, I can only speak from my own experience, but my experience has almost always been that when I'm alone in contemplation, without distraction --- as when reflecting on the days events before falling off to sleep --- I speak to myself in the most genuine way.  It's at times like these I come to really know whether I accept or reject what Jesus taught.  I cannot easily hide from myself.  That;s just this one man's experience, but I have no reason to think I'm unusual in this respect.  God bless you.