Ever had someone tell you a lie? How did it make you feel? Have you had others ever tell lies about you? Have you ever told a lie? As imperfect beings we have all been lied to, lied about, and even told lies.
Lies destroy trust. Lies damage relationships. Lies hurt. When Believers lie, it damages our testimony for Christ. Satan is the father of all lies. So when we lie, who are we reflecting? It certainly isn't Christ!
What about telling little white lies, you know, the ones that are told as to not hurt the feelings of others or to avoid confict? A lie is a lie, no matter how big or how small. Lying can take many forms and be of varing degrees. Lying is anything that deceives another - whether spoken or unspoken. Lying can include partial truth, half-truths, withholding information, cheating, a broken promise, dodging questions, keeping silent on an issue that you should speak out on, or keeping a damaging secret.
There is nothing good about lying. There are numerous verses that describes those who lie:
- Lies reveal a wicked heart: The wicked conceive evil;they are pregnant with troubleand give birth to lies. Psalm 7:14
- Lies reveal a heart that isn't right with God: You love evil more than goodand lies more than truth. Psalm 52:2
- Lies destroy others: All day long you plot destruction.Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;you’re an expert at telling lies. Psalm 52:2
Now let's what Scriptures says about God's perspective on lying.
- God hates a liar: There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Proverbs 6:16-20
Did you notice out of all the sins listed, how lying is listed TWICE in Proverbs 6:16-20? Not only that, the first time it's mentioned in this passage it is named right beside MURDER! God is also very clear on the consequences of lying:
- God will destroy liars: You will destroy those who tell lies.The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Psalm 5:6
Notice again lying is mentioned right beside murder! Maybe this is an indication of just how much God absolutely HATES lies!
So, why be truthful? Truth is good medicine. Truth is life giving and sustaining. Truth builds trust in relationships. Truth gives credibility in our testimony for Jesus Christ. Although being truthful can be tough at times, the alternative is much worse. Let me share with you some of the benefits of being truthful according to Scripture:
- Being truthful yields a right relationship with God and with others: Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Psalm 15:1-3
- God is close to those who love Truth: The Lord is close to all who call on him,yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
- Truth stands the test of time, lies don't: Truthful words stand the test of time,but lies are soon exposed. Proverbs 12:19
- The Lord delights in those who are truthful: The Lord detests lying lips,but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 22:22
Though we are not always perfect at being truthful, we can ask God to forgive us and help us to walk in Truth. His mercy and forgiveness know no bounds. Make it your goal to be truthful. Resist the urge to tell even the littlest white lie, even if it is being told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. On the flip side, sometimes bluntness is to be avoided as well. There is a fine line between being blunt, speaking your opinion , and speaking TRUTH in LOVE. Ask God to deal with you if you are struggling with being truthful. He can help.
Grace and peace, friends!
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