Bible Verse
“By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” — Matthew 12:37
Christian Bible Lesson Overview
It is important always to be truthful. It is easy to get in the habit of telling people what they want to hear. In the short term, this approach may save you time, but after time you may cause harm to yourself or other people.
My experience in business has demonstrated to me that it is always better to take the time to clarify any commitments I make to customers, fellow workers, or anyone else. I need to be clear about what I will deliver.
When I studied this verse in Matthew, I thought about my experiences. There were several occasions when I should have followed this lesson. If I had taken more time and communicated the details of what I could deliver, everyone would have benefited. If being truthful and complete caused me to work harder to get a sale or keep a customer, the effort would have made things better for me and everyone else. Even if I lose a sale, the sale would probably have been a major challenge anyway.
This lesson of keeping your promises applies to friends, family, and everyone else. When you take the time to be accurate with all your communication, everyone else will be more comfortable with you. The concept of keeping promises applies to minor commitments as well as major ones. If you commit to calling someone on a specific date, make the call on that date or let the person know in advance that you need to change the date. It will not take long for people to respect you.
Christian Bible Lesson for Today
This concept of keeping your promises is also important when you interact with people who are not friendly with you. It is important to let people know that you are truthful and work hard to fulfill all your commitments regardless of your relationship with them. If you do not meet your obligations with unfriendly people, the results will cause you and others just as much harm as if your obligation was with a family member.
Christian Bible Lesson Summary
When you are in situations where you are in doubt what to promise, do not make commitments you are not sure you can deliver, but communicate with love regardless of your audience. After the time it takes to be trustworthy, you and everyone else will benefit.
Being truthful is always best – and sometimes much wisdom is needed as well.
An excellent point. Thank you for your comment.