In Zechariah 8:16, we read the  following, “Speak truth to one another.”  So why does Paul tell the  Ephesian Christians and us to do this?  It’s “Because you are members of one body.” (Eph. 4:25)

     Since we are united together, false and lying words hurt the whole body of Christ.  Someone said, “Falsehood stifles unity; truth strengthens unity.” Just as God wanted Jerusalem to be a city of truth, He  longs for His church  to act the same way.

     We learn from reading the Word of God that He hates  lying (Prov. 6:16-17; Prov. 12:22; Proverbs 20:17; Proverbs 21:6) The Bible also tells us that Satan is a  liar (John 8:44).  So, my  fellow Christian, when you tell the truth you are imitating God. When you lie you are imitating Satan.

              Larry Miles is co-editor of Word and Work and attends Cherry St. Church of Christ   in New Albany, IN.