There’s no expectation for us to share everything with everyone. Many parts of our story rightly remain private. But speaking the whole truth requires that we don’t leave significant and meaningful portions of our story out in order to save face with others.
A lie is intentionally misleading others to believe something is true when in fact it is not.
This can be done both through what we say and what we don’t – through misleading statements and by purposefully refusing to disclose information that would altar someone’s understanding of the situation.
Like Ananias and Sapphira, it’s a lie to claim we’re telling the whole story when in reality we’re holding back significant portions.
Sometimes this is due to our own pride and selfishness, or perhaps embarrassment and shame.
But whatever the case, we rob our relationships of their depth and vitality whenever we allow deception to stand – for others to be left with a false impression of who we are and the important pieces of our story.
Again, wisdom is called for, as honesty and transparency doesn’t mean we have to share everything. There are many private thoughts that rightfully remain between ourselves and God alone.
The question here is one of truthfulness.
Are we actively leaving out parts of our story to mislead others into believing something that’s not true? And is there a reasonable expectation for this information to be shared in the relationship?
Even if we can get away with the lie, it still comes at a high cost.
Not only do we compromise our integrity and must now live with the burden and guilt of deception, but we also limit the potential of our relationships.
Relationships do not grow and thrive on a foundation of untruth.
Don’t hide aspects of your story merely to save face. Trust the redeeming power of love and tell the whole truth.
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