Character PracticeSample

Practice Honesty With Your Speech

Today, you’re starting with a big question. Ready? Here goes.

Why do people lie? 

Ugh. To keep from getting caught in something bad. To build themselves up. To tear other people down. Too many answers to list, right? It’s complicated. And every answer has to do with hiding. Hiding what’s true. Is hiding truth a godly characteristic? No way! 

Being dishonest and untruthful doesn’t show the character you want to show. It won’t build you the life of trust and freedom you want, either. Watch this video with a friend of The Loop Show, Pastor Nick. He’s got a story for you about a time he wasn’t honest at all. 

God loves truth! In fact, Jesus called Himself the truth. Everything that’s true comes from Him. Everything that’s based on lies comes from our spiritual enemy, the devil. 

Tell lies and watch your relationships slowly fall apart. 

Be someone who’s honest—even when it’s hard—and you’ll be someone whose relationships stay strong. Come clean quickly and apologize if you do have a dishonest moment. Ask for forgiveness from God, and it’s yours! People respect a person with honest character. 

And the best kind of honest? Be someone whose honesty fits in line with all of God’s characteristics of love.

Example: Is it honest to say, “I think you’re a fool for believing what you do”? That might be what you honestly think. But is it also loving? Um, no. When you speak the truth, be sure to speak it with love. Then you’ll be known as someone whose honest character shines.

Ask yourself: When am I tempted to lie? 

Challenge yourself: Every time you’re tempted to be dishonest this week, stop. Pause. Find a way to speak the truth in love. Practice honesty instead. Face your consequences with maturity. And watch the trust people have in you strengthen and grow. 

Pray: God, thank You for teaching me to walk in truth and honesty. You are truth. I want to be like You, so help me to live with honest character. In Jesus’ name, amen.