“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16
God himself is truth and he cannot tolerate any trace of untruth in his people. We need never be afraid to speak the truth because he who is truth stands ready in the gap to uphold us and defend us with his righteous right hand. We live as representatives of Christ, and so all our words and actions must be truthful.
Questions
- When are you most likely to lie? Why is it hardest to be truthful then?
- Have you used this command to speak the truth as a weapon and sinned by speaking the truth less than lovingly? How will you repent of this?
- How else have you been tempted by dishonesty outside of lying with your mouth?
- How have you been hurt by lies? How has God comforted you in this?
Pray
Truthful Savior, we are deceitful liars, every one of us. We lie with our mouths, with our hearts, and with our actions. Fill us with your truth and help us to speak and live truthfully. Let us be known for our honesty and integrity. Give us courage when it is needed. We belong to you; help us to live as you live, speaking truthfully always. Remind us of who you are when we are fearful and tempted to lie. Thank you that you are always honest, always speak the truth in love, and always convict us when we don’t. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Ten Commandments Study Guide.
