This Day in History: 0000-04-08

April 8 – Zechariah 8:16-17 

But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the Lord. 

A thorough reading of Scripture can leave no doubt – the Lord God hates lies. He despises injustice. It breaks His heart to see people scheming against one another. Should his people be any less passionate about these things? 

If we’ve made any room in our lives for dishonesty, may we repent today! The lips of God’s people should only ever speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! May we be wholly committed to it.  

If the pursuit of justice is not near to our hearts, may we ask God to align our passions to His own. To see an injustice done should wreck the heart of a follower of Christ. We’re called to live in pursuit of peace, and justice leads to peace. 

If we find ourselves scheming and plotting against anyone, may we fall to our knees in sorrow and turn from that path today! Manipulation has no place in the life of a follower of Jesus. May we refuse to play games, and live our lives with integrity. May our yes be yes, and our no be no.  

Lord, give us the courage to speak honestly. Cut from our hearts our tendency towards deception, inaccuracy, and misrepresentation. Help us to have the strength to face the consequences of our mistakes rather than trying to cover them up or hide from truth. Purify our hearts so that what comes from our mouths is glorifying to You! Give us your passion for justice and show us where we can work toward peace by righting inequities. May our lives be kept pure from these things that displease You through the power Your Holy Spirit and in the Name Jesus. Amen.