Honesty
Honesty can be understood as an act (e.g., speaking the truth, refusing to lie), a trait (e.g., authenticity), and a disposition (e.g., tendency or habit to be forthcoming with relevant truths), among other things.
However you conceptualize honesty, you likely agree that at least some level of honesty is an important trait to cultivate. Being honest with others is essential for creating and maintaining healthy relationships, and being honest with yourself is vital for personal development and growth, as well as self-acceptance and self-esteem
Reflections on Honesty:
"Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:9-10
Telling the truth is not only a matter of not telling lies. It is also speaking in a “renewed” way, with the mind and heart of Christ. How will you speak the truth of your faith in Jesus Christ today?
“We ask for grace so that we and the entire Church may convert from the crime of gossip to love, to humility, to meekness, to docility, to the generosity of love towards our neighbor.” Pope Francis In calling gossip a “crime”,
Pope Francis stressed the seriousness of spreading slander and rumors about others. Make a conscious choice to choose speech that is kind, charitable, and generous to and about others.
“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21
Jesus taught the importance of paying what is due to both state and to God. How will your efforts at honesty be ones in which you act with integrity, both by contributing to the wider community and to giving what you owe to God?
“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
It is perhaps most challenging to be honest with ourselves. When we cease feeding the ego through self-inflation or self-loathing, we tap into our “true selves.” In such a way we open our hearts to one another and to the mercy of God.
Helping children to learn and understand Honesty:
Avoid labels. Don’t call your child a liar.
Don’t ask questions when you already know the answer; this will only set them up to lie.
Work with your child to reduce any unnecessary stress that may be weighing them down and encouraging them to lie.
Avoid emphasizing bad behavior; try to bring up your child’s good behavior rather than their bad behavior.
Find out why your child is fibbing; there may be important reasons that you don’t know about.
Praise truth-telling instead of just punishing dishonesty.
Don’t forget “little white lies.” Encourage your child to be honest, but not brutally and unnecessarily honest.
Teach your child that lying doesn’t work; it’s never a good way to get what you want.
Keep your cool—don’t overreact or yell if your child lies.
Set a good example. The best way to teach honesty is to be honest
Simple Circle Activity
Begin the Circle with a Prayer
One word check in: Name someone you admire.
Question 1: What is one way you show honesty at school?
Question 2: When is it difficult to be honest?
One word check out: Something you love!
End the Circle with Prayer
Topic Questions for Honesty (all grade levels)
Name a favorite person or leader who demonstrates honesty.
How does this person show these honesty?
How will you practice honesty in school? home? sports? friendships?
Make a poem, song, poster, or story about the importance of Honesty.