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"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."(Exodus 20: 16)
"Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor. (Ephesians 4: 25)
Question yourself:
- Do you understand that God is truth? (Psalm 31:5) That Christ, His Son, declared, "I am the way, the truth, the life" (John 14:6) and that what God declares or promises, He enforces and cannot lie? Therefore, do you consider truth as a sacred obligation as you communicate with others? tell the truth as far as you know the truth? accurately as you can?
- "In matters of judgment and justice and in all other things whatsoever," so you speak the truth from the depths of your heart? with pure, unmixed motives - "in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart"? (II Chron, 19:9)
- From the depths of your heart do you desire that others maintain a good name? have a good character? Do you rejoice in their integrity? Truly want others to think well of your neighbor whose name is in question?
- Do you choose honest and wholesome companions who make it easier for you to practice integrity? Also do you "abstain from the appearance of evil" so that none will question your Christian character? Without resentment, do you speak up to defend your own gifts or reputation when others unjustly accuse you or belittle you?
- Might you in any way "prejudice the truth" in court or out of court? Do you ever speak in a manner that does not conform to your thoughts and deeds? deceitfully present to others a message, in words or gesture, that causes others to believe what is untrue? Have your ever undermined another's reputation for integrity or goodness? caused others to doubt Your integrity?
-questions from Lauxstermann"s The Believer's Delight, p 100,105
