Half-sister/Half-truth

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Catey Stover in Victory Call

Abraham and his half-sister-wife Sarah journeyed in Garar. In his mind, the safest way to explain their relationship to the King of Gerar, Abimelech, was to say Sarah was his sister, which was indeed truth. But it was only half the truth. When this was revealed to Abimelech by God in a dream he returned Sarah to Abraham unharmed.

When he asked Abraham why he did such a thing, Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, there is no fear of God at all in this place, they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife (21:11-12).

Why did Abraham offer only half the truth? Fear. In this case, he feared for his safety, his life.

Why do we tell half-truths? Typically out of fear.

I remember many years ago when I was working as a systems engineer, my boss asked me about a particular project I was working on and I emphasized all the positive things I had accomplished, not really addressing his question because truth be told I had not completed the part he was asking about. I was afraid of his criticism or correction so it was easier to place myself in the most favorable light. Interesting that I specifically remember that 25 years later.

Even as I sit here writing this, the Lord is challenging me regarding those ever-so-subtle forms of lying. In addition to half-truths, how about when we exaggerate? Or when we say something to make someone feel good but it isn’t necessarily true? When we say something because it’s what we are expected to say? And I am sure there are many more.

To not make ourselves crazy about every word that comes out of our mouths we should probably yield to two things:
1. What mom said – think before you speak and
2. What God’s Word says- “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3

 

Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.


Think About This: “God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.” – C.S. Lewis

The Daily Bible Reading: John 9-12 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:8-9

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?

Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.

LEARN MORE

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories