Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”
To be honest is to be genuine, upright, and authentic in the face of God. Our devotion to God should be more important than anything else.
I believe the way we treat one another has a lot to do with our relationship with God: If I am honest with God, I can be honest with you. Honesty and integrity are very important values throughout the Bible.
It’s very important that we be honest with God and ourselves when we pray.
Psalms 143: 7-8. David was honest when he cried out to the lord expressing his despair and hopelessness. He said, come quickly Lord and help me. I’m depressed and messed up, don’t turn away from me, I need you! When you are honest in your prayers, a cleaning takes place; you can tell God all your dirty secrets and He will forgive you.
Honesty is commanded by God. Exodus 20:16 says we should not bear false witness against our neighbor. Any deception to gain advantage or to harm another is prohibited in the Ten Commandments. False statements and half truths are lying. Tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
Some Christians lie in Church (testifying). They exaggerate: they want to appear spiritual, but it really happen another way. We have to resist the temptation to lie.
Proverbs 12:22 says “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight.” God smiles upon truth, because that’s his changeless character. He’s the same yesterday today and forever. He’s the very source of truth and honesty.
Romans 12:17 says “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Never try to get even with people for what they say or do to you. If we Love others as Christ Loves us, we can forgive them and move on (not forget), but forgive and when the devil bring it up again, rebuke him in the name of Jesus.
Some Christian carry garbage in their hearts for months, you are not hurting them you are hurting yourself. You ask or you okay? I’m okay, dishonest. You are blocking your own deliverance. Out of the abundant of the heart the mouth speaks a dishonest heart or a honest heart.
2 Corinthians 4:2 says “ But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
It’s important for us as Pastors to be truthful. God hears every word we say, so don’t lie. Make sure you don’t distort the word just to make your audience feel good and to make yourself look good. Only the truth will make us free.
Hebrew 4:12 says “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” So, it’s not supposed to make you feel good, unless you are living it.
Malachi 3:10. Be generous with your time and your money. Be honest in your giving; be honest in sharing your time for the kingdom of God by being a witness for God and a friend to someone who is sick and lonely.
God Bless You!
Pastor Laura Vaughn
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