22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22.
Have you heard the phrase, white lie? I think we all have. If we look at the definition of a white lie in a dictionary, it says that a white lie is a harmless or trivial lie, especially one told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. It may sound right, but it is not. A lie is a lie, no matter how you justify it, and lying is a sin. So, no matter the reasons for the lie, you are still sinning. The problem with these white lies is that we get used to the reasoning that a lie in which no one gets hurt is permissible. Another problem with these whiter lies is that they open the door to well-planned lies that can bring negative consequences. White lies have a way of spreading themselves. Telling more lies to cover up the initial lie is common, and the lies get less harmless every time. Attempting to recall what lies we have told someone complicates things and makes further lying even more likely.
When someone lies, it typically only benefits them and shows selfishness. Sometimes, telling the truth is uncomfortable because you do not want to hurt someone or do not want to face the consequences of something you did, but that is no excuse for lying. God called us to be truth-tellers. Being truthful is what God expects from us, and He always taught us that the truth makes us free. If Jesus is the Truth, when we are honest, we are walking with Him. On the contrary, whenever we lie, we follow Satan, the father of lies. "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has nothing to do with the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44.
When you are truthful, you are fostering individual growth and self-awareness. It encourages self-reflection and a willingness to evaluate our actions and amend our mistakes. Telling the truth honors God. It is our duty as Christians to uphold the values and principles of our faith, and one of these principles is to tell the truth. Truthfulness talks about our moral character. It shows others that they can trust us. Truth builds up trust in a relationship. Meanwhile, lies create distrust and destroy relationships. People are more likely to trust and confide in someone known to be truthful rather than in a liar. Trust is an essential ingredient of relationships, whether personal or professional. Lies can hurt relationships forever. Telling the truth brings harmony, reinforces relationships, and, as a result, unifies communities. Trust among its people and institutions is vital for a long-lasting and successful community.
As we can see, telling the truth is not only a moral and spiritual virtue but is also vital for fostering long-lasting and meaningful relationships, ethically settling conflicts, and contributing to our personal and collective well-being. I invite you to embrace the truth, stop using lies as a way to evade accountability or as a way to be accepted, and start walking with the truth, Jesus Christ. He is the only Way, the Truth, and the only Path to salvation.
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