What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.

Eph 4:25  (MSG)

Comment

Continuing our walk through The Message’s paraphrasing of Ephesians we come to this encouragement to be honest with each other…. to stop hiding. We all have our masks that we like to hide behind – the person we think we should be or want to be, but in truth – we are not. Sometimes those masks are subtle and we don’t even know we have them on.

The trouble with masks is that they prevent deep relationships; both with our friends and with God. I used to wear a ‘Superman’ mask and it wasn’t until I took it off and started being myself that I found freedom, joy, deep intimacy with my wife and spiritual growth. God loves it when we are honest with him because through this we show that we love and trust Him. It’s the same with those that we are close to… honesty brings oneness.

What masks do you wear? What could you do to show the real you?

Prayer (as a couple)

Lord you created each of us and you are pleased with us. Help us to know that pleasure deeply and to stop pretending that we are something we are not. In the power of your love help us to put aside pride and fear and to be honest with you and with one another. Help us to grow into the people that you mean us to be… reflecting your image. For we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer (for others)

Father God we lift up …. and ….. . We pray that they they grow in the knowledge of your love for them and that they will take off any masks that they wear and be honest with one another and with you. Help them to grow in truth and in love and to reflect your image, for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Quote

“She had blue skin,
And so did he.
He kept it hid
And so did she.
They searched for blue
Their whole life through,
Then passed right by –
And never knew.”

Shel Silversten. Everything on it.