When Telling the Truth Is Hard

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Friday. Quick question. Have you ever messed something up, and right away your brain started building a whole story so you wouldn't get in trouble? I'm Pastor Justin. So glad you three are with us today. Telling the truth when you've messed up is one of the hardest things a kid, or a grown-up, ever does. But it matters more than you think. Here's the one thing to remember for the ride: telling the truth is one way we love the people around us. Listen to Ephesians 4:25. Paul writes, "Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another." Members of one another is a fancy way of saying we belong to each other, like one family. So when you lie to someone you love, you're not just breaking a rule. You're chipping away at the trust that holds you together. Think of it this way. Every time you tell the truth, even the hard truth, you're saying, "I care about you too much to trick you." That's love. A lie protects you for a minute. The truth protects the people you love for a long time. If Jesus were sitting on the edge of your bed while you worked up the courage, He would look at you with kind eyes and say, "Go tell them. I'll be right there with you. The truth is hard for a second, but it sets everything back where it belongs." It's a rainy summer afternoon and you're goofing around inside, even though you know you shouldn't. You bump the shelf, a picture frame crashes down, and the glass cracks. Nobody saw. You could slide it to the back and act surprised later. Your heart is pounding. But you go find mom and say, "I did this, and I'm sorry." Is it scary? Yep. But when it's over, you can finally breathe, and mom trusts you more, not less, because you told her the truth. This week, here are a few things to try. First, if there's something you've been hiding, go tell the truth about it today, before it gets heavier. Second, when the truth feels too scary, whisper one sentence. "God, give me the guts to be honest." Third, ask yourself, am I telling the truth to protect myself, or am I willing to tell it even when it costs me something? That second one is what love looks like. Let's go back to that one thing for the ride. Telling the truth is one way we love the people around us. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, here's what's coming this weekend. Saturday we're talking about praying from the top bunk at bedtime, and Sunday is for the days that have no plan at all. Those weekend episodes are part of Carpooling with Jesus+, so if you haven't joined yet, this is the weekend to do it. Tap CWJ+ in the show notes, and I'll see you tomorrow. Before you go, let's answer this together. Why do you think telling the truth can actually be a way of loving someone? I love you, Carpool Crew. I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.