Honesty is the hallmark of integrity and is a desirable virtue to covet in marriage. A marriage built on lies is a like a house built on a sandy foundation which will readily to collapse at the slightest occurrence of a wind or storm. 

Honesty in marriage is about being truthful to ourselves, our spouse and the institution to which we have committed ourselves. The dictionary’s definition of honesty is – moral correctness, uprightness in character, honourableness, integrity, ethics, high principles, rectitude, nobility, right-mindedness and righteousness. It also means a refusal to lie, steal or deceive.

Apparently the word honest comes from the Latin word honestus, which means ‘honourable or respected’. Truthfulness, sincerity and frankness are required for couples to love and live together as one. The bible tells us that Adam and Eve were ‘naked’ in the garden and they were not ashamed. Honesty fosters an environment where people are free to be themselves without fear. People who are honest are truthful and sincere; and there is freedom from deceit or fraud when we decide to be honest with each other. Even though people lie for many reasons, the primary motive is the fear of the consequences of telling the truth. Yes, sometimes it is difficult to tell the truth but the consequences of not being honest are dire:

1. It holds you in bondage as you carry the fear of being found out 
2. It creates a sense of uneasiness – it makes you jumpy and on edge
3. You build a fake world around yourself that will eventually crumble and collapse
4. You lose people’s trust when you are found out 
5. It gives the devil a foothold in your life, blocking blessings and miracles.

In what areas of your marriage are you not being honest with each other – financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually? About time you confront these issues by repenting and confessing your sins to one another. Open the door to openness, sincerity and frank discussion in your home and watch your marriage transform into something beautiful and tangible.