The whole truth

[Kathrin]

If somebody asks you something and you are embarrassed to say the whole truth, is it ok to just say part of it?

E.g.: I went back into my parents’ living room because I was wearing some clothes that i felt were saying something important about me. I was just in the mood to be with them for a bit maybe, hoping to hint at something I had been dreaming about… without using so many words, just letting the way I am dress and the way I act speak for me… long and complicated story. Anyway after my Dad asked me why I had come back, I kind of said “just so”… and then I thought, hm, maybe this is lying, so then i added “I wanted to come back in these so-and-so clothes”, kind of smiling embarrassed, but I didn’t give the whole what i wanted to express etc. Would I have to? What if they are things you can’t or don’t want to put in words?

Kathrin

 

[Daniel_Boucher]

No. You don’t have to say everything. In the Gospels, Jesus says that we must tell the truth, not the whole truth, but we must tell the truth.

Look at how He answers those who question Him. He talks in obscure language at times, keeping things secret from us. But He always tells the truth, for He is Truth.

 

[rpp]

If somebody asks you something and you are embarrassed to say the whole truth, is it ok to just say part of it?

E.g.: I went back into my parents’ living room because I was wearing some clothes that i felt were saying something important about me. I was just in the mood to be with them for a bit maybe, hoping to hint at something I had been dreaming about… without using so many words, just letting the way I am dress and the way I act speak for me… long and complicated story. Anyway after my Dad asked me why I had come back, I kind of said “just so”… and then I thought, hm, maybe this is lying, so then i added “I wanted to come back in these so-and-so clothes”, kind of smiling embarrassed, but I didn’t give the whole what i wanted to express etc. Would I have to? What if they are things you can’t or don’t want to put in words?

Kathrin

Kathrin my friend, you do not have to say everything on your mind in order to be truthful. Family communication is a bit different and the respect we owe our parents under the Forth Commandment.

If your attempt was to avoid saying something you would rahter not say, you are fine. If your attempt was to deceive, then yes, you certainly may have sinned. If you mind is blank about your intent, you did not sin. Remember, one cannot sin by accident.

May God bless you and grant you His peace.

 

[Kathrin]

That is true, Jesus did speak in obscure language sometmes…
then that PER SE cannot be lying.
Yes, it must depend on the intention…

Thanks those are good and helpful thoughts. This is not the first time I had a similar dilemma.