Truth-Speaking

Zechariah was sent by God to encourage the children of Israel in the rebuilding of the temple. In the rebuilding of the temple, Zechariah also exhorts them to keep a watch upon themselves. 'These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates, And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD' (Zechariah 8:16, 17). We need strength from God to cultivate the graces that promote unity. We need, not only a watchfulness against our enemies, but also against sinning against each other. Why should we speak the truth to our neighbor? Because our God is a God of truth, and we should reflect our God, to our brethren in the church, and to those who are without.