Reflection
One of the most important qualities of character in mature individuals is honesty. Honesty is in touch with reality and promotes trust. By being truthful and proving it by our actions we show respect for what’s right and uphold integrity. Truth is the foundation of all fair and just relationships. It is empowering for us and others and supports community. In any group, whether small or large, lying and deception break social bonds and breed mistrust and division. In our present political climate, lies breed violence and are dangerous to the common good. Public honesty builds authenticity and encourages unity.
Prayer
May I speak the truth by word and action.
Action
Be truthful to yourself and others even when it is difficult. Teach children the importance of honesty. Be alert to falsehoods spread on social media. Don’t spread information unless you know it is factual. Be critical about what you accept in political commercials or on social media and check what is true and what is not.
Suggested Reading
Lying lips are an abomination to God, but those who act faithfully are God’s delight.
Proverbs 12:22
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:31-32
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25
It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good.
Pope Francis
Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.
Mother Teresa
Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.
James E. Faust
Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.
William Faulkner
It’s discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.
Noël Coward
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters
Albert Einstein
Truth never damages a cause that is just.
Mahatma Gandhi
We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.
Michelle Obama
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.
Winston Churchill
The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind.
Austin O’Malley