She said she did not answer the question.

Answer plainly, even if the truth feels uncomfortable.

Give a vague answer so you can avoid embarrassment.

Say only part of the truth and hope it is enough.

Delay the answer until the moment has passed.

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and tried to hide behind my own words. I need your mercy and your truth. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you as my Lord and Savior. Speak into my life, make me honest before God, and lead me from hiding into your light. Amen.

Receive the Truthful Savior

Lord, revive your Church. Where we have learned to cover, exaggerate, or pretend, bring us back to honesty before you. Teach us to confess sin, tell the truth, and welcome your correction with humility. Make us a people who live openly in your light and speak with grace, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A Church That Walks in Truth

Pray over: Jesus hearing a plain confession; the gift of being known honestly; gratitude that truth in his presence does not lead to contempt; freedom to speak without pretending.

Thank You for Honest Mercy

Start by naming one place where you have been vague or dishonest. Ask God for courage to tell the truth, humility to receive correction, and grace to make things right today.

Pray Where You Have Been Evasive

Pray for: someone who is hiding the truth; a friend who needs a safe place to confess; families and churches to become places where honesty is met with mercy.

For People Afraid to Be Honest

Lord, shape my speech so I do not hide behind excuses or half-truths. Give me courage to answer plainly, humility to accept correction, and a clean heart that loves what is true, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Words That Are Plain and True

ἀπεκρίθη{a-pe-KREE-thee###ah-peh-KREE-thee###(She) answered} ἡ{ee###ee###(the)} γυνὴ{yee-NEE###yee-NEE###woman} καὶ{KE###keh###(and)} εἶπεν{EE-pen###EE-pehn###she said} αὐτῷ{af-TO###ahf-TOH###to him} Οὐκ{ook###ook###not} ἔχω{E-kho###EH-khoh###I have} ἄνδρα{AN-dra###AN-drah###a husband} λέγει{LE-yee###LEH-yee###(He) says} αὐτῇ{af-TEE###ahf-TEE###to her} ὁ{o###ho###(the)} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} Καλῶς{ka-LOS###kah-LOHS###well} εἶπας{EE-pas###EE-pahs###you said} ὅτι{O-tee###OH-tee###that} Ἄνδρα{AN-dra###AN-drah###a husband} οὐκ{ook###ook###not} ἔχω{E-kho###EH-khoh###I have}

John 4:17 — Audio GuideTAB

More on this verse