January 2, 2016

Speak Truth

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

-- Exodus 20:16

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” -- Matthew 12:37

Has anyone ever lied to you? Me too. Has anyone ever told a lie about you? Me too. Has anyone ever sought to deliberately turn others against you? Me too.

Are you perfect? Me either. Have you ever lied? Stop that squirming! We all have. Everyone. Sometimes it is a lie of omission. Sometimes we are just trying to spare the feelings of someone we care about. Other times we’re trying to keep ourselves out of trouble. But a lie is a lie is a lie.

It’s not fun to be on the receiving end of someone’s lies, especially when your integrity and reputation are being destroyed. It’s difficult to remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord.

Silence is sometimes the best thing you can do. It also can be the hardest thing to do. We want to stand and fight. We want to be drawn into that never ending war of words. We want to prove ourselves.

But here’s the thing: When someone is out to get you, it isn’t about you. It’s about them. It doesn’t matter what you say or do. That person needs to lie and try to destroy you in order to justify themselves. It won’t work. It never does. The truth always comes out in the end.

Of course, don’t assume you’re always right. Search yourself for the truth. Pray diligently. Be honest with yourself and ask God to point out your flaws.

Then give it to God and let it go. You are not responsible for the words and actions of others. Do the right thing. Always remember that God is your judge and as hard as it is sometimes to stay silent, trust Him to work it all out for His glory.