To Tell You the Truth…
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22 (ESV)
His delight? We don’t often think about those two words together and yet those two little words placed side-by-side should probably be one of our daily goals. All we have to do is tell the truth, right? Not quite!
Being totally honest is not easy for us. We tend to sidestep direct questions that are uncomfortable. Maybe you don’t, but I certainly do! I do not like hurting anyone’s feelings or making them self-conscious about their attire or appearance. I still don’t have the hang of gently speaking the truth in love in these certain situations.
Of course, there are other circumstances that demand our truthful responses. When it comes to our faith, what do we say? “Are you a Christian?” “Do you go to church every Sunday?” Do you tithe regularly?” “What’s your church like?” “Are you active in your church?” Then there are the more probing questions such as, “Why do you believe in God?” “If God is good, why is there so much pain and suffering?” “Where was your God when my daughter was killed by a drunk driver?” And our responses would be what?
It is much better to tell someone that we don’t have an answer than to make up something which could be an untruth and lead them in the wrong direction. We need to speak the truth in all situations and that doesn’t mean partial honesty, leaving things out, or deception of any kind.
Partial truths are still lies and God isn’t real keen on that! Omission is not acceptable nor is adding drama to any story. “It is what it is! So, tell it that way.”
Check these verses:
Ephesians 4:25: Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Psalm 25:21: May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Proverbs 12:19: Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
After all these years, I have learned that it is better to remain silent than to try to pull my foot out of my mouth.
Loving Lord, thank You for being the truth! We come to You because You are the source of truth. Teach us to speak Your words—without hesitation. AMEN.