Read Exodus 20: 1-17 (today’s focus is v. 16). 1. What do you think of when you hear the word “lie”? What does “lying” mean to you? 2. Why is it is so important to always tell the truth? What can happen if we don’t tell the truth? 3. Commandment #9 refers to “false testimony” or “false witness,” depending on the translation. What do these terms mean? Do they expand your understanding of why lying is so dangerous? If so, how? 4. Read Proverbs 12: 22. What does this verse teach us about our relationship with God? 5. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Truth hurts.” What does this phrase mean? If the truth hurts, why are we supposed to tell it? What happens if we lie in an attempt to avoid the hurt? 6. Read Ephesians 4: 25. What does this teach us about our life together in community? What can happen when we don’t follow this advice? 7. What are some ways lying can hurt the person telling the lie? How can it hurt others? 8. What did you think about the lyrics to Matthew West’s song, “Truth Be Told”? Have you ever told those lies? How might life be better if you didn’t? 9. Read John 8: 32. How does the truth set you free? 10. Read Acts 1: 8. How does this verse add new meaning and importance to the term “false witness”? Prayer for the Week: Almighty God, we confess that the 9th Commandment is more difficult than we originally thought. Forgive us for all of the ways, big and small, intentionally and inadvertently, that we bear false witness to our neighbors. Help us to truly put off all falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbors. Even when it’s hard, and even when we’re scared, help us to stand up and let the truth be told. And in so doing, may we all experience the peace and freedom of your truth. We pray all of this in the name of the One who makes it all possible, our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.