Lying

Fudging, 

White Lie,

Bending the truth,

Manipulating the truth

Omission of facts, 

Exaggerating, 

Small lie

...these are all terms that make us feel better about what is REALLY going on, but let's put it bluntly--It's lying.

Karen Ehman, in her book KEEP IT SHUT says it best. "A half-truth is a WHOLE lie" 

If it is not the truth and the whole truth, it is the opposite. The opposite is a lie. There is no in-between. There are no grey areas when it comes to lying. It is either the truth or a lie. 

So then if it protects us, is it ok? Is it ever ok to lie? 

I would respond by saying let's go to the Bible and see that the Bible says about truth and lies...


In John 8:44 the Bible speaks about liars "Ye are of your father the devil, he (speaking of the devil)...abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

WOW! That is pretty powerful. So, some thoughts about lying and the devil. 

1. The devil is the father of lies 
2. He abides not in the truth 
3. There is no truth in him 
4. His speech is literally lying 

So when you lie, you are associated with the devil. You are doing what he does, by not abiding in the truth. Your speech is lies.

Now, let's look at the positive side, which is truth.

We know that JESUS IS TRUTH, so let's see what the Bible says...

And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. - John 1:17

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - John 14:6

Did you also know that the Holy Spirit is Truth?

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me: John 15:26

The Holy Spirit is not only truth but He guides you to be truthful.

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of 
Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. - John 16:13

So, my sweet friends, lying, fudging, exaggerating, manipulating is NEVER OK.  It will tie you up and the devil will hold the key.

The truth, though it may not be easy, is simply the only way. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

I would encourage you to be full of truth.

But how do you get truth? The Bible answers that as well. :-)

Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. John 17:17

When we are reading and living out God's principles and when we allow the spirit to fill us and guide us, we will be truth-bearers.

Show me your mouth and I'll show you who you are following today.

Let's be people that speak  truth laced with grace. - Rejoicing in the Present