October 10
The Weight
of Honesty
"The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies. But he is pleased with people who tell the truth."
Proverbs 12:22 (NIrV)
Heather’s heart pounded as she heard the crunch of metal. She had barely tapped the parked car, but as she reversed into the open space, she could see the damage—the brake light was shattered, and a long scrape ran along the bumper.
She sat frozen for a moment, staring blankly in front of her. Nobody was around. Her own car seemed fine. Maybe it wasn’t a big deal. These things happen all the time, right? she told herself. Still, a small voice inside nagged at her.
With one last glance at the empty street, Heather put the car in drive and pulled away.
That night, she tossed and turned in bed. What if that had been her car? What if she came out of a store to find her vehicle damaged with no note, no apology—nothing? She thought about the owner of the other car, the frustration they must have felt discovering the broken light. Guilt gnawed at her, and suddenly, she felt small, dishonest.
“God,” she whispered into the darkness, “I messed up. I didn’t do the right thing. Help me fix this.”
The next morning, Heather found herself driving through town again, and there it was—the same car, parked in nearly the same spot, the broken brake light glaring back at her like an accusation. Her stomach twisted, but this time, she didn’t hesitate. She pulled into a nearby space, scribbled a note on a scrap of paper, and tucked it under the windshield wiper.
"I’m sorry. I accidentally hit your car yesterday and didn’t leave a note. That was wrong of me. Please contact me, and I’ll cover the repairs."
As she stepped back, a weight lifted off her chest. She had feared this moment—admitting her mistake, making things right—but now she felt a sense of peace. She had been dishonest, but God had given her another chance to do the right thing.
Heather walked away, feeling lighter than she had in days.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for guiding me in truth.
I confess that sometimes I take the easy way out, avoiding responsibility and honesty.
But I know that You call me to live with integrity, even when it’s hard.
Help me to be truthful in all I do, to admit my mistakes, and to trust that doing what is right will always bring peace.
Thank You for second chances and for Your endless grace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
