#101of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney

Today’s lesson is about the little white lies we tell ourselves. I don’t like people who lie. I want the truth no matter how painful it is. If I don’t know the truth, I can’t fix any problems that may be there.

I have been gaining weight. I hate it. I had lost nearly 115 pounds and was doing great. Slowly over time, due to surgery and falling out of routine, I’ve gained most of it back. This morning, I was getting dressed for work. Not one of my shirts felt comfortable. They were too tight, or pulling, or didn’t feel right. I found one of my old ‘fat shirts and put it on. It was a short sleeved Hawaiian style shirt. IT was a little too big but it was better than being tight. I told myself that I was wearing it to think Spring and welcome the warmer weather. That was a lie. I wore it because it fit and the others didn’t. It makes a great cover story to say that it is because of Spring. My wife even said I looked comfortable and springy.

This little lie doesn’t hurt anyone. It’s harmless. A friend of mine said it wasn’t a lie but rather an attitude adjustment. I am trying to believe that both can be true. It is a happy Spring shirt and it is a sign I need to get back to my fitness.

How many times do we tell ourselves little lies that are not harmless? How can Scripture help us?

• Lie: I am unworthy and unacceptable.
• Truth: I am accepted and worthy.
• Romans 15:7- “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

• Lie: I feel like a failure.
• Truth: I am perfect the way I am.
• 2 Corinthians 3:5 -6- “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

• Lie: I am not very smart.
• Truth: I have God’s wisdom.
• Proverbs 2:6-7- “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.“

• Lie: I feel guilty.
• Truth: I am forgiven and blameless.
• Psalm 103:12- “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.“

• Lie: I am a sinner.
• Truth: I am a saint. I have been declared righteous and holy.
• Romans 3:24- “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.“

These are only a few of lies we tell ourselves. To look at more lies and scripture go to https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-lies-we-tell-ourselves-proven-wrong-by-scripture. These lies don’t are little white lies like the Hawaiian style shirt. These lies cause deep psychological pain. They can break our relationships. They can damage our relationship with God. They can lead to a life of pain and sorrow. I know that Scripture holds answers for me. I also know that God points me to psychological help, including medicine, to work through some of these lies. The Lord loves you for who you are. Whether you are wearing a Hawaiian Style shirt for comfort or for Spring God loves you. You have a purpose in God (Psalm 37:23).

Are you willing to stop telling yourself little lies? Are you willing to see that scripture can help you overcome these lies? Are you able to accept you are loved by Jesus?

I am willing (with the help of God).