Honesty clears away the falsehoods that keep us from seeing God’s love as it really is. Way back in Eden, the entire drama of human history began with the serpent’s lie: “Eat of this tree and you’ll be like God.” And he’s been lying ever since. Jesus went so far as to say, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
His lies have confused and confounded us into believing all sorts of baloney about ourselves and God: that we must earn our way into His grace; that our Father is angry, vengeful, and grudging with His blessing and acceptance; that we are forever stained and unworthy to enter His presence (even under the covering of Christ’s blood).
The day we overcome our reluctance to be open and honest with God is a day of joyful liberation. It is when, like exhausted shepherds on a lonely hillside after the angel’s announcement, we receive the best news of our lives: God is with us—period. Rejoice!
