Ephesians 4:25: Speak the Truth

Ephesians 4:25
[25] Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Does it seem odd to you that Paul has to remind the Ephesian believers that they need to be truthful? Does it seem odd that the church of today needs the same reminder. We belong to Jesus.  Jesus referred to himself as the way, the TRUTH, and the life. We are his body, and as a result we should be truthful, abandoning falsehood in every way possible.

I think that we tend to be innocent of the bold faced lies. But, the subtle dishonesties are another area. Here’s a few examples. Perhaps, you are a Yankee living in the South. You say something to someone in the church and they say, “Well, Bless your heart.” It sounds really nice. But, it isn’t nice, is it? Falsehood.

How about the person who shakes your hand on Sunday morning, and after the service they are gossiping behind your back. Here’s the thing. If you are going to undermine someone behind their back, then don’t claim to be supporting them to their face. Falsehood.

This is serious stuff. We think that we can just say whatever we want, and not care too much about who we hurt. But God says to the Ephesians, “We are members of one another.” When you are not truthful you hurt the body. That means you are hurting Christ. Listen to these great instructions from the prophet Zechariah:

Zechariah 8:16-17
[16] These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; [17] do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD.”

Maybe you don't tell big bold lies.  But have you put away all falsehood?  Are you truthful with your neighbor?  Let's set a higher standard.  True love for one another requires truthfulness.