Lessons From LeviticusExemplo

Honesty

Leviticus 5:1 - Suppose someone has been called as a witness to something they have seen or learned about. Then if they do not tell what they know, they have sinned. And they will be held responsible for it. (NIrV)

Honesty is broadly seen as a good virtue, not just in the Church but in the world too. But many of us struggle to turn an admirable quality into an actuality. It’s easy to tell the truth when it doesn’t cost us anything or when it’s in our favor. But when we are afraid or trying to save face, we often opt for what our modern culture calls a ‘white lie.’ Sometimes, we tell a partial truth to prevent others from being hurt or offended. However, this is not biblical. God expects us to tell the truth when called, whether it’s in our interest or not, whether it unintentionally hurts someone. ‘If we do not tell what we know, then we have sinned.’ That being said, our truth must always be mixed with grace. Truth should not pull down or condemn. Truth comes to bring justice and correction, not guilt and shame.

Questions: Do I tell the truth when I am asked? Am I willing to be truthful, even when it costs me or someone I love? Is my truth mixed with grace?