Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."
I am someone who values truth. If someone lies to me or even omits something that I should know, it affects me deeply. I do not get angry I get injured. Lying is something that I just cannot abide by. I know many people, including believers, who think nothing of lying. I think it is just accepted as a natural behavior in today's world. Why do people lie? Most of the time, I believe, it is for self-protection. A focus on self often leads to sin, and lying is a sin. Unfortunately, it is one that can be subtle and insidious.
So, I consider myself a truth speaker and seeker. John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This freedom comes from knowing Jesus, and in Him alone we are free. John 1416 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
The Bible is where we find the words of truth; for God's Word is truth. John 17:17 "Sanctify them in truth, your word is truth." Truth is a part of our spiritual armor. Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."
Truth also factors into how we should love one another. 1 John 3:18 "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist one its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth."
We can be honest always, and we are called to be by speaking and wrapping the truth of God's Word in love towards everyone. Ephesians 4:15 "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
So, let us all strive to speak truth in love out of submission and reverence to our Savior. Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name."
1 comment:
This second semester we are focusing on morality. We have discussed lying IN DEPTH. The kids are honest when we speak that there is an honest intention to not hurt someone and they justify their lies with this. I have tried to explain the dishonesty is destructive. It is such a topic for such intense discussion because I believe we have been taught to believe we should avoid the truth to spare someone's feelings. UGH!!! Sometimes it is very difficult to get through to them on this level specifically. I always pray for the words to guide me every time when we discuss it.
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