by Dr. Paul Chappell

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

Ephesians 4:22-25

True friends don't lie to each other, but have confidence between them.

Over the years, many people have sought to describe what a friend is, and the definition of one is different to everyone. But one thing most people agree upon is the fact that friends should be open and honest with each other.

Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus laid out plainly for the new Christians God's feelings toward lying: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." While lying and deceit among neighbors and friends was the common Roman way, Paul encourages the Ephesians to be honest in their dealings with others.

When interacting with others, even your friends, are you always honest? Scripture plainly warns against lying: "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds" (Colossians 3:9). "He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit" (Proverbs 12:17).

Someone once said, "Elevate dependability and eliminate doubt." Can your friends trust you? Sometimes, people can even lie to their friends. But how can you trust a friend who lies to you? Don't fall into the trap of lying to your friends, even in small areas. Elevate your dependability.

Proverbs 25:19 advises, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Your friends need to be able to trust you to help them in times of need-to prove you're a real friend. True friends don't lie to each other, but have confidence between them.

Are you a trustworthy friend? When you give your word to keep a secret, do you? If you promise to help your friend, do you come through for them? Don't be known as someone who is untrustworthy, but make honesty and dependability a priority in your friendship.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalm 16-17 | Acts 20:1-16