Your assignment for part one of “An Honest Wife,” was to examine yourself. I hope everyone took the time to think about how honest they really are. Also, I hope you read Ephesians 4:22-25…it is a very important part of our study.
Now, onto part two…
A common reason that many of us lie is SELF protection. We like to make the excuse that we are saving someone else from hurt…but really we are being selfish and just want to protect ourselves from embarrassment…or making someone mad.
Let me share another fictional example, so we can have a clearer vision of what I am trying to explain.
Lynette
Lynette has a friend named Sandra. One afternoon Lynette and Sandra went shopping together. While they were trying on some outfits, Sandra asked Lynette how a particular dress looked on her.
Lynette thinks, “YUCK!”
Lynette says, “That looks really nice on you.”
Why did Lynette lie?
No, it was not to protect Sandra. Lynette was protecting herself. She didn’t want to be honest. She did not want to make herself look bad. She did not want to seem “un Christian.”
The Word says in Ephesians 4:15 - Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, that is Christ.
Why is it that we just can’t be honest?
I believe that we can be truthful, and do it in love.
Lynette ”thought” yuck. She does not have to “say” yuck to be honest. That is brutal honesty. Brutal honesty is not what God wants from His children. This Scripture clearly tells us to be lovingly honest. Lynette could have said, “Actually, I really do not think that dress flatters you at all. Why don’t you try on the red one you had earlier?” Now, that would have been an HONEST answer without being hurtful.
Then, if Sandra got offended it is her issue. We cannot lie to please people. Our concern needs to be with pleasing the Lord and obeying His Word.
We lie about big things, small things, for no reason at all, to protect ourselves, to get our own way, to get out of things, we lie to our friends, family, children, ourselves, and our husbands…We just lie…lie…lie…
So, is it ever OK to lie?
The answer to this question depends on who you want to listen to…
Jesus tells us in John 8:44 - You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
And in John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life…
When we lie, we are in agreement with the devil. Yep, that’s right we are partying with the father of lies himself.
When we tell the truth…in love, we are in agreement with Jesus, the Truth.
Now, reflect on this question…
Who do you want to be in agreement with?
Let’s pray,
Daddy God, thank You for Your Word of Truth. I ask that You remove all lies from my mouth. Fill my mouth only with Your Truth. Help me to only speak the truth in love. Help me to shut my mouth rather than lie. Help me to be honest in all situations…even the most uncomfortable ones. Forgive me for lies that I have told to my husband and to others. Forgive me, Lord. I am truly sorry for standing in agreement with the father of lies. I renounce him and his ways in Jesus Name! I now stand in full agreement with the Truth. I ask that you give me strength to shine in honesty for You as a wife and Mother. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Your Homework:
Pray and ask God to reveal to you where you are weak and more likely to tell a lie. Confess. Repent. Turn from it and be a truth teller. Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of believing it is ever OK to lie. Just tell the truth and you will be obedient to your Daddy God, rather than in agreement with the father of lies.
Read and study the following Scriptures this week.
- Proverbs 6:16-21 (look where a lying tongue comes between)
- Philippians 4:8
- Psalm 58:3
- And…if you did not do last week’s reading assignment, it’s never too late ;)
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
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This is a GREAT article!
Thanks for sharing these insights. Being lovingingly honest is how we can cultivate REAL friendships
.
Yes it is..the only way! :)
Being honest builds up honest relationships which builds up better marriages and homes.It is not easy but i believe it is doable,cos i am working on myself and God has been faithful. The home is one place we should not be looking over our shoulders.
Thanks for the beautiful article, God Bless You