The power of honesty

There are many sources of inner joy, one of which is Honesty. It is one of the best gifts that you can give, not only to yourself but those around you, because real honesty can transform people; "Healing begins with empathy, but personal growth starts with honesty" But I'm talking about real honesty, Honesty is not "hey man, you dropped your wallet" that's a good deed. I'm going to give you an example of true honesty; my Mum's father is one of THE most honest men that I know, whenever his salary came in, the first thing he would do was pay all his bills and debts, and pay back to any one he owed. That was always the first thing he would do, only then would he worry about everything else, like food and necessities for his family. THAT is an example of a true and honest man, a man who was honorable to his word. Nothing is more respectable than honesty. Having integrity and being honest are fundamental requirements if you want to grow spiritually and increase your own personal development. It’s not simply about being honest with people. Whilst that will make you a better person and more accepted, it’s also important to be honest with yourself. Because when your honest with yourself, it's then easier to be honest to those around you. Honesty and Integrity hold a close relationship. Integrity is when you do what you think is right at all times, no matter what the consequences may be. When you have integrity, you are willing to live by your standards and beliefs even when no one is watching. Through having Integrity and taking responsibility for your own actions, shows that you are an honest individual and have honest qualities within you. The difference is Honesty is giving your word, integrity is keeping it. But they work hand in hand, for one you must have the other also. Without trust, we have no credibility which is at the core of being able to influence people. How can you feel good about influencing people through lies and deception? No matter how much you try to cover up, the truth will always prevail. It's like fighting a losing battle, such as the war between Good and Evil! The righteous will always prevail! Being honest is a huge discipline, which is way beyond yourself, and a lot of people don't appreciate it enough. Because by being honest and acting truthfully; you reduce conflict and confusion, you protect the innocent from being blamed and punished, you get into less trouble than from lying and then getting caught, you gain people's trust, and also by telling the truth you don't have to keep lying to keep your story straight. When you’re honest you are blessed with peace of mind, self-respect and you feel good, because you know that you have nothing to hide. You know that old cliché "Honesty is the best policy" as much as I agree with it, I believe even more that it's a question of right and wrong and is merely the safest of options! Say for example you have two options, to lose, or to be dishonest? Now think carefully, because one brings pain for the moment, the other for a lifetime, even eternity!

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