Honesty is a necessary component of relationships because it is the foundation of trust. Mutual trust is essential for any relationship to grow, thrive, and remain healthy. When individuals are honest with each other, they establish mutual trust that they can rely on and believe each other in all situations.
Therefore, my dear friend, simply let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No. Be aware of how simple it is for the tongue to commit a wrong! You are a member of the Christian household, and every member deserves the truth. Do not lie, not even a little. Have faith and trust the results of honoring and defending the truth, the whole truth, especially the truth that salvation is found only through a wholehearted belief in Jesus Christ. If you have uttered any dishonesty, confess it, then turn away from that wrongful practice and conduct yourself as a new and better person, one who values and practices honesty in all your dealings. You glorify God when your honesty uplifts and encourages others, and you dishonor him when you spread falsehoods designed to misrepresent and lead others astray.
I remind you that the tongue can be a soothing comfort or a deadly weapon. Words are either lasting solace or lethal poison, depending on your control of your tongue. Your words should always reflect the good things stored up in you and be pleasing to the Lord. Do not utter both blessing and cursing, good and evil, about those you know and encounter. Such contradictions only insult God, for he made all people, and contradictions discourage your listeners. Your job is one of being an encouragement to others, so think before speaking and use carefully measured yet truthful words.
The challenge with honesty is that sometimes telling the truth can be uncomfortable to both you and your listener. Be not deterred by such discomfort. Rather, pray that God be with you, helping you to choose kind words. You may become tempted to condemn someone you believe to be preoccupied with evil. Be cautious in these times. You may well be right in your assessment of evil, but will your condemnation, even though truthful, result in an opportunity to help another better their circumstances? Will it help you to share the good news of the Gospel? Your Christian walk will always be in the midst of evil and brokenness, yet you are to occupy yourself with all that is good and peaceful. Do this, and the love and grace of God will pervade your heart and be revealed in the words you speak. Do this, and your words will achieve mutual understanding instead of mutual resentment.
You can be your authentic Christian self in all relationships while you practice honesty with a gentle tongue. May the God of peace be with you always, finding pleasure in your honest and careful words. Amen.
