The Lie of “Partial” Truth

 Do not lie to each other… Colossians 3:9

 Props:  newspaper, large piece of poster board, scissors and glue

             One way to tell a lie is to add to the truth.  Another way to tell a lie is to take away from the truth, or not tell the whole story.  Let’s say that your mom gives you permission to go to your cousin’s house just down the street, but tells you not to go to Brian’s house.  So you head for your cousin’s house, stop in to say “hi,” stay for five minutes, and then go to Brian’s house for an hour.  When you get home and your mom asks you where you were, you could truthfully say that you went to your cousin’s house.  But if that’s all you tell her, you are lying, because you didn’t tell her the whole truth. 

            (Display newspaper).  Think about it like this: I just read an incredible story in the paper.  (Read a short article from the paper).  But look what happens when I take out some of the story.  (Cut out a few key words and phrases that, when omitted, will change the story).  The whole story is different.  It’s not the truth anymore. 

            The same thing happens when you leave out parts of the story: the story becomes a lie.  Honesty is being truthful in everything you say and do.  Practice being honest by telling the whole truth.