Underlying Assumptions-"Acting a Lie”
When individuals, “act” as if they don't know when they have said, or done something that is contemptible (disrespectful), towards another—that is considered “acting a lie!” It means that, that individual practices deceit, falsehood, and treachery by either their word or their actions!
“Acting a Lie” is the exact opposite of truth
The sanctity of truth is fundamental in biblical teaching, since it is based on the nature and character of God. Therefore, to despise truth is to despise God!
Here are a few confirming scripture that lets us know how our God feels about lying, and why we need a paradigm shift:
—"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
—"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish”
—"Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death”
—"Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds”
—“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (JESUS)
—"But, (and along with), the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake, (not heaven), which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” [Revelation 21:8].
Everyone has a conscience, but whether they are willing to listen to their conscience, is a decision they themselves make. When they don’t listen to the voice of their conscience, many times—abuse and disrespect is inevitable. One cannot deflect and justify bad, disrespectful, behavior by declaring that in order for one to be respected—they must earned it!
The Bible teaches that we ought to respect others, not because they've earned it, but because God respects each one of us, and commands us to do the same. Why are so many as believers always trying to “earn” things that is freely given? It is a false worldly belief!
Respect needn’t be “earned!” It is by grace—through faith, lest any of us starts to boasting! Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they're different from you or you don't agree with them! Respect in your relationships builds feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing.
Respect encompasses four areas in our life: (1) all men, (2) other Christians, (3) God, and (4) authorities. Many people in our society don’t have respect for any of those things; they don’t even respect their own wives, children, family members…let alone all men and authority.
God Jesus, has mandated us to respect each other- and abide in the word, even if someone else do not.
If you continue to not accept the truth of the word of God—you will continue to blame other people for your behavior, and your emotional and spiritual immaturity, until you self-destruct!
Proverbs 28:13 says whoever conceals his sin, (by lying; acting a lie), will not prosper!! Aren’t you trying to pursue a dream and trying to prosper in it?!?!?
When you consistently disrespect a person and aren't willing to apologize for your behavior—you are playing yourself and forcing them to draw a line in the sand, and end the relationship; to which many now cry “church hurt,” without taking any of the responsibility! This is acting a lie!
The point is, people shouldn’t have to “earn” respect! God, himself preferred us, even before we knew him and we didn’t do anything to earn this respect. When you require that someone earn your respect—you are putting yourself above them in thinking they have to earn the privilege of you treating them the way they should automatically deserve to be treated anyway.