Replacing Lying with Speaking the Truth

Put Off-Lying

Ephesians 4:25  Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another."

Put On-Speaking the truth

Zechariah 8:16  These are the things you shall do:  Speak each man the truth, justice, and peace.

Lying is a sin and is is so abominable that liars will no go to heaven.  As adults we have lied at least once in our lives.  Sometimes the lie is so we don't get in trouble like taking the last cookie out of the cookie jar.  Sometimes we lie to protect someone else so they don't get into trouble.  Sometimes we lie to protect somebody's feelings, "Does this shirt look good on me?"

Here are some examples with me.  I might lie to my husband and tell him I am working over when I plan on shopping at the store, the gym or the casino (I will discuss gambling later on.)

I might stop at the store and buy something and then sneak it into the house and pretend that I already have the item.  I usually do this so he doesn't bring up bills that need to be paid.  (I am good about paying bills and only buy something when I can afford it.)  

My husband is a bit of a hoarder-not as bad as those shown of television.  He just doesn't like to throw things away since he can find a use for items down the line.  I like to go through the attic and get rid of things we have not used in years.  Once in a while he will look for something and I will play "Miss Innocent,"  saying we got rid of it years ago.

While the above might be innocent, it is still lying.  Throughout the Bible lying is the work of Satan and has brought on God's judgment when people get caught in a lie.

When you ae lying about another person, you are showing hate towards that person.  When you are spaking the truth, you are showing love.

God is truth, so if you want to be a godly person, you must speak the truth.  If you find yourself lying, turn to God and ask him for forgiveness.

Dear God,

I come before you in the name of Jesus and ask for the forgiveness of my sins. Forgive me for all the lies I have ever told anybody.
Forgive me for hiding my sins from you and covering up with excuses thereby grieving the Holy Spirit whom you sent to be my guide and comforter.
Forgive me also for the lies I tell myself thereby opening the doors for the devil to attack my mind and body.
Teach me to speak the truth always and to give honest answer at all times
I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.