The Price of Lies
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits. Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. (CEV)
Have you ever told a fib? Maybe you told your parents you picked up your room, when you really hadn’t. Maybe you made up an excuse for not doing your homework. Maybe you exaggerated a story to impress someone else. Believe it or not, lies that seem small can hurt others, and we eventually have to pay the cost for them.
The Bible tells us about the first lies that were told. Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, a paradise, but a serpent lied to them about God’s goodness. Then, they disobeyed God, tried to hide their sin, and then blamed others for what they had done. In the same way, we tell lies when we hide something, but God wants us to live lives of honesty. God doesn’t just tell the truth; he is the truth! Jesus told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Even though Adam and Eve suffered bad consequences for their sin, God still took care of them. He covered their sins. We may feel ashamed when we mess up, but Jesus took the punishment for our sins. He covers our sins with his grace and teaches us the truth in his Word.
Today’s verse tells us when you welcome God into your heart, you become a new person. New people don’t lie; they love their neighbors by telling the truth in love. And while lies come at a price, the truth sets us free! (See John 8:32.)
Prayer
Dear God, please forgive me for the times I have been dishonest. Thank you for teaching me the truth in the Bible. Please help me have the courage to tell the truth, even when it is hard. Amen.Related Resources
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.