Week 38: Why is it always best to tell the truth?

Last week we began looking at the character trait of being trustworthy by exploring how our actions line up with the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not steal.” Let’s continue with the theme of being trustworthy and learn why honesty and truthfulness are so important to God.

Be ready to read the following passages:

Let’s start it.

Has someone ever said something about you that was not true? How did it make you feel?

Let’s learn it.

Not telling the truth in a court of law can have serious consequences. A judge expects each person in the courtroom to be truthful. Well, God has given His people the responsibility of telling the truth, even when it’s difficult because you might get in trouble, or you might get someone else in trouble. As a matter of fact, God commanded the Israelites to tell the truth in every situation so that they would be a righteous nation. If you are a follower of Christ, then honesty should reflect who you are in Jesus. For the last couple of weeks, we’ve explored the idea that every sinful behavior has an opposite behavior that honors God because it displays His character. What does Exodus 20:16 tell us not to do, and what is its opposite?

Did you spot the word, “false”? Honesty and truthfulness are important because they are part of God’s character. Scripture tells us that all of God’s words are true (Psalm 119:160). In fact, God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). But wait, there’s more! What does the Bible tell us in John 1:14 and 14:6 about how truth is connected with Jesus?

Let those verses sink in for a moment. Truth comes from God because Jesus is the Truth! Since there is nothing false in Him, then no falsehood should come from His followers. Continue reading in John 14 to discover what verses 16-17 say is true of Christ’s followers.

The Spirit of truth lives inside each person who receives Jesus as Savior. Yet, we all face the temptation to be untruthful from time to time. We even tell ourselves that “little white lies” are no big deal. Or, that it’s okay to tell only part of the truth to stay out of trouble. Think of it this way though – if your words are technically true, but you’re trying to mislead someone, then you are not being completely honest; you’re being deceitful. A half-truth is a whole lie. God doesn’t put our untruthfulness on a scale from 1 to 10. He simply draws a line between truth and untruth, between honesty and dishonesty.

Before you continue, check out what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:22-25 about our old nature versus our new nature. Did you notice how similar verse 25 is to the Ninth Commandment in Exodus 20:16? You have a choice to make each day. Your words and actions will display either your old deceitful nature or your new righteous nature. That’s why honesty and truthfulness are so important – you were created to display the righteous and holy nature of the Lord. And He is the God of truth!

Let’s discuss it.

  1. How do you feel when someone lies to you? Why is it hard to trust that person again?
  2. According to what we learned this week, is it okay to lie if the truth would hurt someone’s feelings? What examples can you think of, and how could you handle the situation honestly?

Let’s do it.

Trust takes a long time to build, but it can be broken in an instant. Dishonest actions lead people to believe that you are not trustworthy, and dishonest words can cause people to doubt everything you say. Being dishonest goes against the nature of God, His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. Do you have a reputation for being honest and trustworthy? Being honest and trustworthy helps point people to Jesus, but claiming to follow Jesus but not being truthful is a poor testimony for God and prevents us from truly worshiping Him. If you can lie and deceive without feeling the conviction of God’s Spirit, then stop and examine whether or not the Holy Spirit lives inside of you. Whose nature will you choose to display this week?