Is it a Lie When You Don’t Tell the Whole Truth?
Gwinnett CPA Asks: Is it a Lie When You Don’t Tell the Whole Truth?
Think about all of the times that you did not quite tell all of the story because you did not want someone to know so they would not get mad at you. Is it a lie when you leave out an important part of the truth?
Think about all of the times that you did not quite tell all of the story because you wanted to be nice. Did you lie?
I believe the answer centers around several key issues
Your Intent
If you intent is to hide the truth because you do not want something to be discovered, then I believe this is a lie.
If you do not answer a question and seek to misdirect or confuse the questioner…this may not be a lie..but it might be worse. Much worse.
If you intent is to not hurt someone when they ask if you like their new clothes, it may not be necessary, especially if you are a casual acquaintance to say “no they look horrible” when perhaps a more gentler response may be more Christ-like.
Your Goal
If you goal is to exaggerate, mislead or re-direct to gain an advantage, then it is a lie.
If your goal is to speak the truth in love to help lead someone back to Christ, it is not a lie.
Your Destiny
Though we are all called to speak the truth in love, we are also called to one of the two higher commandments “to love your neighbor as yourself.”
Another way to consider when to speak and when to be quiet…is to ask God. More times than I can count I have felt led to have lunch with someone to give a “kind and loving rebuke” only to have God tell me to “be quiet, I got this.”
Seek the guidance of a fellow Christian to see if it is your place or position to say something for there have been several times that I have felt led to say something to those in authority only for God to tell me “this is not appropriate, not the right time and your are not the anointed vessel.”
In my marriage there are frequently times when it my opinion is not needed or warranted, not because my wife does not love me for she does. Greatly!
But because no one, no not one, likes a busy body who always has to have the last word and to have an opinion.
Sometimes during a tough conversation with my wife, kids and friends I even raise my hand seeking their permission first before I share a word of guidance.
No these are not iron clad, but they are mine and I seek to always bathe my words in prayer for often the best thin
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