There is no such thing as a half-truth!

After a two month sabbatical we are back at it in r@Nd0m.  It’s good to be back.  Tonight someone asked about the difference between a half truth and the whole truth.  You know those times where technically we are telling the truth if you examined only the words we said.  But if you look at the intent and the meaning of what we are leading people to believe it might not be the real story.  So let’s dig in.

Lies:

First let’s establish why it’s wrong to tell a lie.  We’re born with an innate sense that tells us it’s wrong to lie, and yet we all do it because we’re also born with a sinful nature.  You don’t have to teach a kid how to lie.  We all deny everything from the moment we can say, “wasn’t me.”  Our parents teach us that it’s wrong to lie.  Well I hope they do.  The Bible even tells us not to do it.  Remember those stone tablets that Moses got in the book of Exodus (Chapter 20).  So are all of those the reasons that it’s wrong to lie?  NOPE!!!  The bottom line is that it goes against the very nature and character of God.  He is the way, the TRUTH and the life (Jn 14:6).  So God is truth.  To lie goes against His very nature and therefore it is sin.

Half-Truth:

What about when we technically tell the truth, but leave out a few facts so that we don’t get in trouble or don’t hurt someone?  Is that a sin?  I would say the best example of that is found in Acts 5.  Ananias and Sapphira sold some property and then brought an offering from that sale.  They kept some of it back, but wanted everyone to believe they gave it all.  The passage clearly says that they lied to the Holy Spirit in doing this and they died for their sin.  The Bible is very clear that God looks at the heart.  If you are intending to deceive then you are lying.  Even if the words you use aren’t technically a lie it’s still a lie.  There is no such thing as a half truth.  If it’s part lie then it’s all lie.  If it’s not totally truth then it’s all lie.  You can’t go half way on this one.

So what about those lies we tell to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.  All guys dread this question:  “Does this make me look fat?”  The Bible tells us to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15).  If someone is wearing something that makes them look bad how is it loving to tell them it looks good?  Then they are going to wear that thing out in public and it will be even worse.  If we really love someone we will tell them the truth.  It may hurt for a little bit, but it will keep them from greater pain later.  So if someone has something in their teeth when you’re talking to them politely tell them.  Don’t let them walk around like that.  That’s not what a true friend does.  We should speak the truth in love.  Don’t forget that last part.  Don’t be mean about it when you’re telling the truth.  Still be loving and kind.  It’s all about truth and love because that’s what God is.  Follow that and you’ll be alright.