”25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. ”
Ephesians 4:25
Speaking the truth is the foundation of the Christian walk.
I’ll be the first one to admit, I was not always an honest person. I won’t blame my upbringing, the toxic environment I grew up in or point fingers at the people God put in my life.
I was just a bad kid with horrible values.
Truth of the matter is, I was the one who lied and deceived, and when I lied, I did so of my own accord and I knew full well what I was doing was wrong.
Of course, now that I’m all grown up and under God’s grace and mercy, ever since I was born again I have been well aware God saw it all unfold, and He took notice of the way His creation misused the precious gifts He awarded me.
I lied to protect myself, and often, to look out for others who I felt would be best served by deception, rather than the love and trust of God.
I was wrong.
By God’s grace, He’s firgiven me my trespasses.
But, I haven’t forgiven myself…
So today, in the event you’re like me and could use a cup of sunshine, I felt led to write about the truth, and its critical importance in the lives of believers.
Truth is a fundamental virtue that guides our lives and relationships – truthfulness.
My inspiration came from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 25, which tells us, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” In these simple words, the Apostle Paul imparts profound wisdom about the importance of honesty in our daily lives.
First, we have to understand the nature of truth. Truth is more than just the absence of falsehood; it is a reflection of God’s character. As John 14:6 reminds us, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Therefore, when we embrace truth, we align ourselves with Christ and seek to manifest His nature.
Ephesians 4:25 emphasizes speaking truth to our neighbors. In the broader context, our “neighbors” are not limited to our immediate physical vicinity but encompass all those we encounter on our life journey.
In our relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, honesty is the cornerstone upon which trust is built. When we speak the truth, we show respect for the dignity of others. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing bonds of love and support, strengthening the body of Christ.
Honesty in the Digital Age
In our increasingly digital world, it is tempting to hide behind screens and create falsehoods. The importance of truth has never been more relevant than in this age of social media. Online, we have a unique opportunity to practice Ephesians 4:25. Let us remember that behind every digital profile is a real person, a neighbor, who deserves our honesty and respect.
In a world filled with misinformation, let us be beacons of truth.
While Ephesians 4:25 encourages us to be truthful to our neighbors, it also holds a deeper significance for personal growth. When we embrace honesty, we not only strengthen our relationships but also our own character. Truth forces us to confront our flaws, paving the way for self-improvement. In a world where deception often seems like a shortcut to success, it is essential to remember that true growth and fulfillment can only be achieved by living an authentic life.
Overcoming Fear and Shame
Sometimes, we are tempted to hide the truth due to fear or shame. However, the Bible teaches us that the truth has the power to set us free (John 8:32). In the light of truth, fear and shame lose their grip on our lives. We can come before God with a clean heart, knowing that His grace is sufficient to cover our imperfections.
In embracing the truth, we embrace His liberating love.
As we reflect on Ephesians 4:25, let’s remember that speaking truth is not a mere commandment; it is an invitation to live authentically in God’s light.
When we speak the truth, we honor Christ’s example, build trust in our relationships, and promote personal growth. In a world that sometimes seems mired in deceit, let us be the shining examples of honesty and integrity.
I call on you to put off falsehood and speak truthfully, recognizing that we are all members of one body, united in Christ.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul and John,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
