Half-Truths are All-Lies

Did you know that "half-truths" are "all lies?"

Here's how we know that partial truth mixed with opinions are lies, it's because when someone mixes their own opinions or what they wish to be true with what really happened they are attempting to deceive the hearer.

Any time someone is embellishing a story to direct someone to a particular conclusion they are attempting to convince someone of something that is not true.

I knew of a woman who was accused of hanging out at a bar at 10 am Saturday morning. The family member told others that she knew she was at the bar because her car was in the parking lot of the bar.

The woman who thought she was telling on this family member in front of others was so convinced of what she saw she felt confident she was going to embarrass the person who was the target of her hatred.

The real story was this; the bar was closed and the woman's car was the only one in the parking lot. What the tattler didn't know was that the family member parked her car there because the flea markets parking lot across the street was full so she went across the street to park in a lot that had plenty of parking.

It doesn't matter how innocent we are in what we are doing if a narcissist wants to smear the reputation of someone they will find a way. They did it with Christ and they are doing it now to believers.

Here is something to consider; what if the tattler was a kind person and didn't want to spread rumors but was still concerned about the family member? Rather than announcing a half-truth in front of family, this tattler would have privately asked the woman about her car in the parking lot. Before anyone else knew the whole matter would have been cleared up, no gossip would take place and no hurt or anger on anyone's part.

It's amazing how much easier life is if people would just lovingly and kindly ask others about what they see. It is my considered opinion that if we care about someone we will be quick to ask questions assuming the best and we would have no need to pass the information on to others that does not pertain to them.

I believe this is what God meant when He said;

1 Corinthians 13: "… 6 Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails."

Let me be clear too that those who listen to the gossip and begin treating the target of the gossip with contempt because of what they heard, these too are people to be avoided. After all, how much love is involved when someone likes to believe horrid things about someone?

I am convinced too that those who hear the gossip, believe the gossip, and act upon it don't want to find out the real story, they like the lie better.

Romans 1:29

"29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice."

2 Corinthians 12:20

"20 For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish, and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, selfishness, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;"

Perhaps most of the arguments and strife that come between people are because of misunderstandings. Troubles could be resolved if both parties tell their side and those at fault admit it while the offended party forgives.

God's way is always best no matter what the trial. Even if it is initially uncomfortable, the end result is a clear conscience and maybe even a restored relationship.

The lesson here is to seek God in all things, searching His Word for His best and many problems would be mended.