The Hard Work of Truth

Do we tell the kids the hamster died?

The whole truth about the tooth fairy?

That Dad might have to travel for work overseas for an extended period?

Too many times, telling our kids the hard truth seems too . . . hard. We want to keep them in their innocent, happy bubble. Or, let’s face it, we’re too lazy or afraid to deal with the emotional fallout.

However, our heavenly Father continually affirms that “honesty is the best policy.” God’s Word tells us how to approach truth-telling. The truth must be revealed at the right time, framed in love, and reflect the full story.

Regarding timing, obviously, we should first decide if a child is mature enough to handle all the facts. “I’ll tell you later” is an appropriate response sometimes. Too much lead time and a child may live in dread for too long. Too little time and they can’t process it, and they learn to fear it will suddenly happen again without warning.

Framing is also important so we speak the truth in love. Telling children they are not good at a skill can sting and kill a dream. Telling them they will have to work hard at it to achieve their goals puts a positive frame around it. They will hopefully be motivated, not crushed.

Finally, we must tell the whole story to speak the truth in love. It is truthful and loving to tell children they are sinners. It is loving and truthful to tell them Jesus can forgive their sins.

Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body.

Ephesians 4:15 (CEV)

How to share truth varies by the age and temperament of our children. We need the wisdom to know how to handle situations as they happen. We must be aware of our own motives and try to decide what is best for the kids. The desire to get it right should drive us to our knees before God, asking him for help to be more loving and truthful. Achieving this shows growth in Christ, which is our goal.

PRAY

Lord, show me the way to tell my child the truth in the most loving way. Thank you for doing that for me. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): Why is telling each other the truth important?

Apply: White lies, holding back information, or mischievous falsehoods are pervasive in our culture. Make it a game to identify these things while watching tv or movies. See who can find the most lies, then discuss the consequences of the character’s choices.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Zechariah 8:16

Colossians 3:9

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Tonia Gutting wrote this devotional for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.