Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another."
Have you ever been afraid to tell the truth? After you told the truth, in spite of your fear, did you feel much better afterward? Are there people in your life whom you trust to tell the truth? God commands us to be honest when He says, "Thou shalt not bear false witness" (Exodus 20:16, KJV). His commandment is the best reason for honesty; honesty also gives us peace of mind, as well as stronger relationships with friends, family, and God.
Each Christian is a part of the body of Christ, and whatever we do or say affects other parts of the body. When one relationship is injured by dishonesty, an infection can spread to other relationships. Honesty is a necessary part of any family or group of friends because, if we are honest with each other, we can trust each other. The Bible teaches us to "confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:16, NKJV). For example, if we feel guilty about something we have done, we begin to avoid other people. We should talk to a wise and trustworthy friend about it, and ask others to pray for us. When we allow the Lord to repair broken relationships, we no longer feel afraid to face other people.
The Lord changes the heart of Christian. We want to live as Christ teaches us to live. "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:9-10). After we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we truly want to treat others with respect and honesty. We want to glorify God because we know that He made us in His image. "God, who cannot lie" (Titus 1:2, NKJV), is glorified when we are honest with our neighbor.
Honesty brings a Christian into a closer relationship with God. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, NKJV). Just as honesty is necessary for healthy friendships with other people, it is vital for a healthy friendship with God. Jesus wants us to confess to Him so that He can forgive us and heal us with His love. Our relationship with Jesus becomes closer, and He guides our steps toward a life that will glorify Him.
You see, honesty may be a difficult or even scary habit to develop, but it is a necessary part of a life lived with others. We must be able to trust, forgive, and pray for one another. We will have peace in our hearts, and a closer walk with one another and with the Lord.