Ephesians 4:25
After telling believers to put off the old man and put on the new man, Paul immediately gives a practical example of what that looks like: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour."
Lies damage relationships. Sometimes they are big lies. More often, they are smaller ones—half-truths, excuses, exaggerations, or words carefully chosen to leave the wrong impression. We may think they protect us from embarrassment or consequences, but they slowly weaken trust.
Paul tells believers to put those things away. A follower of Christ should be known as someone whose words can be trusted.
Notice that Paul does not simply say, "Don't lie." He says, "speak... truth." The Christian life is avoiding wrong actions and choosing right ones. God wants truth to shape our conversations, our promises, our work, and our relationships.
Paul gives a reason for this command: "for we are members one of another." Believers belong to the same body. Just as the parts of a body must work together honestly, Christians should deal truthfully with one another. When dishonesty enters, fellowship suffers.
Of course, speaking the truth does not mean being harsh or unkind. Truth and love belong together. We should be honest, but we should also be gracious.
Today is a good day to pay attention to our words. Are they reliable? Are they honest? Do they help build trust?
As God continues His work in us, may our words be honest, trustworthy, and pleasing to the Lord.
