I was watching one of those middle-of-the-day TV shows with some hosts and a guest or two. The guest was someone who gives advice in a popular advice column, and the topic was “When it’s OK to lie.”
I should just stop typing now… but there’s a need for it.
Our culture is so obsessed with self-esteem and feelings that telling people the truth (even gently) is not cool if it will hurt their ego. For further well-nuanced thoughts on the topic (not necessarily coming to the right conclusions), check out here, here, and here.
It is so freeing to be a regular truth-teller. You don’t have to remember who you lied to, and your friends and loved ones will come to respect you (and trust your integrity).
James reminds us about integrity:
Above all, my brothers, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. (James 5:12)
Be careful with your honesty, but let honesty prevail.
