“The one who speaks truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness shows forth deceit.” – Proverbs 12:17
Jesus taught that words and actions issue forth from the heart. If the heart is good, the words and actions that come out are good. If the heart is sin-sick, the words and actions are corrupt… “From within, out of the heart of mankind, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unbridled lust, an evil eye, blasphemies, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile (stain with sin) a person” (Mark 7:20-23).
Our world laughs at lies and imagines there is no accountability for them. But our God is a God of truth, and He requires “truth in the inward parts” from the people He made in His image. Lying shows a corruption of character that is associated with Satan, the father of lies, and is so serious with God that He warns the world… “All liars have their part in the Lake of Fire.” Those who lie like Satan, will share his punishment.
The offer of salvation in Christ, is an offer of heart surgery. Christ came to give us new hearts that love “righteousness,” and consciences that are “cleansed” from the stains of past sins. Not only did Jesus call Himself “The Truth,” but He gifts “The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive” to dwell within us, who will “guide you into all truth,” with the Word of Truth (the Bible).
This new nature of righteousness can’t help but show itself … “the one who speaks truth shows forth righteousness.” Now attitudes and actions are also transformed… “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-temperedness, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control,” to name a few.
The lies of our world are all going to be exposed and judged by Christ, the God of Truth. May we honor Christ in these days of deception as people who “love the Truth.”
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