Mirror Check: Truth as Filter

Why do people lie? Usually, it’s to get a certain outcome they don’t deserve or to protect themselves or their ego. In a world of illusions, it’s hard to know what is true. So much is shaped by emotions that people conflate with truth (a belief or feeling is not truth).

Exodus 20:16 (our mirror check) tells us: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (ESV)

“By prohibiting false testimony, God was safeguarding the integrity of interpersonal relationships and the proper functioning of the legal system. Honesty and truthfulness were not just personal virtues but essential components of a just and righteous society.” (Source)

If God is love, and the Ten Commandments are a reflection of His character, this commandment shows us that truth and justice are essential to love’s expression. Anything opposite to this is not godly.

Speaking truth in love will also, at times, mean walking a lonely road and going against what is mainstream. Truth is currency.

Mirror Check Questions: Where have I said a lie? How can I walk more in integrity? Do I need to make something right? Where do I need to choose truth, even if it means walking alone?