Honesty, the pathway to holiness (6)

Honesty—a word carelessly used in our conversations. It is a word that is rapidly losing its meaning and has been heavily diluted in our society.  I pray and trust that as we read these articles; the Lord will help us understand the power in honesty and that we aspire to be honest in our dealings, conversations and lifestyles to make the world a better place.  Last week, I ended with a powerful statement, and I quote:  “Virtuous woman, do you know that honesty is not impulsively going to another as soon as you feel the emotion?”

This is not the way to go.  Rather, it is going to God first, letting Him deal with your own heart, then being directed by His wisdom.  In reality, we have sometimes misunderstood Matthew 5:23-24 which states :  “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way.  First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.”

When I was first learning to walk in this principle of relationship, I thought the above verses meant that whenever I had any ‘ought’ against the other, I was to rush to her, confess my hurt and anger and ask for forgiveness.  A problem arises, however, if the other person is unaware of the offense or is not in a position to understand your explanation, thereby, bringing about unanswered questions— if not hurt and confusion—in the person’s heart.  So, we really need to be clear that it is God directing us as we begin to walk in honesty.

So next time you want to go to someone to ‘be honest with them’, check your motives.  Above all, check whether you have engaged with God, whose Word is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart – Hebrews 4:12!