Picture: Counsel #28 — False Communication CR 117.1
Have you ever had a conversation where you weren’t totally honest? Maybe you told someone you were “fine” when you weren’t or agreed with something just to avoid conflict. That’s an example of false or masked communication. It’s when we hide how we really feel, stretch the truth, or say what we think people want to hear. While it might seem easier in the moment, it usually makes things worse in the long run. CR 117.2
Think about it - when we’re not honest, it’s hard to build real connections. People can’t support you if they don’t know what’s going on, and trust crumbles when the truth eventually comes out. Masked communication doesn’t just happen face-to-face. Social media also makes it easy to present a filtered version of yourself. It’s tempting to create a picture-perfect life both online and in conversation, but the good news is we don’t have to communicate this way. Some may say distorting the truth is more convenient, but being honest, even when it’s tough, shows courage and builds stronger, godly relationships.[120] https://ilford.adventistchurch.org.uk/bibleinfo_topics/lying CR 117.3
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Colossians 3:9 NIV CR 117.4
“Let truth telling be held with no loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it become a part of the life.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 75 CR 117.5
Reflect: What stops you from being honest with others? CR 117.6
