How has someone’s lack on honesty affected you and your relationship with them?
In this passage, we see deception and betrayal by Rebekah, lying by Jacob, and manipulation by Isaac. What are the long-term consequences for each family member because of this event?
There is a temptation here to justify lying and deceiving because it will “help” God fulfill the promise God made to Abraham. Yet, God’s plan carries on in-spite-of them, not because of them. Do you ever feel tempted to let the ‘ends’ justify the ‘means?’ Are you tempted to use deceit in relationships, in evangelism, or in the pursuit of justice?
Instead of lying to get what we want, we are called to trust God to get what we need. Can you think of a time when God met your need, and in so doing affirm God’s faithfulness to you?
Examining your speech. When do you use exaggeration or partial truth to get what you want? Where is it hardest for you to tell the truth?