Home Tools for your Journey July 19

Sunday, July 19

So then,putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.
—Ephesians 4:25

Imagine for a moment what it would be like if all the words spoken between us reflected honesty and truth. Imagine what it would be like if the representative of a company answered questions truthfully. Imagine the gratitude we feel when someone is truthful enough to say they don’t have an answer to our question, but will transfer us to a person who does.

Imagine how we would feel if in all our interactions, no matter where we were or what we were involved in, we were given truth rather than falsehood—if we were given the facts as they are, without any attempts to mask the true reality of a problem or situation.

So often we are given wrong information that is of no use to us.  We may not determine for hours,or even days,that we have been dealt an untruth. And how often are we the offenders? How often do we cover up,or deny,or simply mask the truth so we can avoid an unpleasant encounter or exit a troublesome situation?

This easy behavior of untruthfulness does not reflect the Spirit of God. Instead  of nurturing our souls, it wounds both the giver and receiver. God is perfect truth and the life that is born of truth.  Because we are created in God’s likeness, in God’s image—we can claim this truth and life for ourselves. 

The spirit of falsehood cuts to the core of a person’s character and integrity.  Just as pouring fresh water on a withered plant restores life to the plant, so speaking the truth revives and nourishes our souls. The truth, given or received, is a sure sign of heaven’s presence.

Just imagine.

Gracious God, may my tongue convey the messages of my heart with truth and openness, so others are nourished and revived.