• “Do not bear false witness” —Exodus 20:16
• Hebrew: ed-sheqer — twisting or manipulating the truth in a communal legal setting
• The commandment addresses a specific kind of lying that presents as an illusion, not presenting reality-masquerading
• speaking untruths and falsehood about a neighbour affects the entire community
• a shared commitment to truth is vital to loving your neighbour
Israel was charged to create a culture of social justice for the poor and vulnerable because it was the way the nation could reveal God’s glory and character to the world ~Tim Keller
People can indeed live a life of fake honesty in public and real dishonesty in secret. But it comes at a tremendous cost. It is essentially lonely ~ Christian B. Miller
• Honest behaviour, honest motivation, honest thoughts
• Honesty exposes our ego and forces us to choose between our own comfort and reality
How do I reflect what is true about God?
The incarnate Word of God is a mighty sword put into your hand. Those who hear it will feel their chains cut off, their prison unlocked, their lungs filled with oxygen ~ Fleming Rutledge
Application for the week ahead: