Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no’

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a situation where we have to tell a lie because of a greater good that results from it. And we even swear to back it up.

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Still, the Gospel invites us to be truthful and honest with our words. We do not need to pretend or hide anything when we ask someone for help. The more honest and sincere we are, the more likely we are trusted and believed.

On the other hand, those who make so many promises, and even swear, and tell lies, are most likely the ones who will end up “eating their words” as they fail to keep their promises. “Say ‘yes’ if it means ‘yes,’ and ‘no if it means ‘no,’” is Jesus’ simple advice.

Lying and inventing stories just to escape from responsibility can become a habit. Being “successful” in deceiving others on one occasion can lead the person to repeat the same deception at other times until she or he becomes a pathological liar.