C.4: How do I build honesty in my character?

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In your experience, what have been temptations towards dishonesty?

How have you been able to overcome them?

A Story

A coaching relationship was established with a man for a year. He had agreed that if there were anything the coach said or did that was not helpful to the client, the client would be honest about those things.  After a year, it seemed like the client was very pleased with the time of coaching and was very grateful. The coaching stopped and the client moved on. Later, the client was speaking with another coach and reported how displeased he was with his past coach.

What stopped the client from being honest with his former coach?

Honesty is a critical quality to develop. How does one develop a standard of honesty?

Let’s look at two passages of scripture.

Digging Into The Bible

Ephesians 4:25:

 Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. What has been your history of telling the truth and telling lies?
  2. What gives you a basic conviction of being honest?
  3. What does it mean to be honest?
  4. How do you strengthen this character quality?

Application & Accountability

  1. What steps do you need to take to reconcile any situations where you have not been honest?
  2. How can you move forward and ensure that honesty is consistently a part of your character?
  3. What other scriptures can you think of that will deepen your conviction about honesty?
  4. When will you get started in these steps?

Digging Into The Bible (Part 2)

Ephesians 4:15-16:

 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Discussion & Discovery (Part 2)

  1. How does honesty impact the unity of the body of Christ?
  2. What can you do to speak the truth in love?

Application & Accountability (Part 2)

  1. What would be a practical place that you can apply this this week?
  2. When will you get started?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

Similar Verses In The Bible

List similar verses in the Bible: