Choosing Truth: Embracing Honest Speech
In life, we often bend the truth to serve our own desires, forgetting the importance of honesty. But in Matthew 5: 33-37, Jesus teaches us that twisting the truth is a serious sin.
Here he is calling out those in his day who bent the rule of law toward their own selfish desires, inflating their commitments so as to mislead others and get their way. In this passage, Jesus is saying, "Do not make vows... Just say yes or no. Anything more comes from the evil one." With these words, Jesus reminds us how easily we can fall into deceit. Like the Pharisees who found ways around their promises, we, too, can be tempted to lie for our own benefit.
Truth is sacred. It comes from God - the source of all truth. Jesus lived by and personified truth, and the Holy Spirit guides us in discernment.
Here he is calling out those in his day who bent the rule of law toward their own selfish desires, inflating their commitments so as to mislead others and get their way. In this passage, Jesus is saying, "Do not make vows... Just say yes or no. Anything more comes from the evil one." With these words, Jesus reminds us how easily we can fall into deceit. Like the Pharisees who found ways around their promises, we, too, can be tempted to lie for our own benefit.
Truth is sacred. It comes from God - the source of all truth. Jesus lived by and personified truth, and the Holy Spirit guides us in discernment.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV
No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV
When we lie or intentionally manipulate others with our words, we work against God. Each lie claims we know better than our Creator and fail to trust God’s sovereignty over another person’s response. It's a rebellion against God's best by diminishing the value of one of his beloved children.
Jesus calls us to be different. He wants us to speak truthfully and respectfully to others – without making exaggerative statements that can manipulate and mislead people into trust. Our words shouldn't hurt or trick people. Instead, we should honor everyone as being made in the image of God – worthy of kindness and love.
Jesus calls us to be different. He wants us to speak truthfully and respectfully to others – without making exaggerative statements that can manipulate and mislead people into trust. Our words shouldn't hurt or trick people. Instead, we should honor everyone as being made in the image of God – worthy of kindness and love.
Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:20 NLT
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:20 NLT
Kindness means being honest in all parts of our lives. So let's commit to speaking truthfully. Whether at work, home, or anywhere else, let's speak with honesty and kindness. And when we're tempted to lie, let's trust God to help us tell the truth instead.