What to Do After You Exaggerate a Story
An ordinary story can grow as it is retold. A detail becomes bigger, a number becomes more impressive, or a guess begins to sound certain. When you notice that happening, you can choose to make the account accurate.
Speak the truth to each other,
(Zechariah 8:16, NIV, excerpt)
In Zechariah 8, God spoke of doing good again to Jerusalem and Judah and called His people to truthful, just relationships. He opposed deceit and evil intentions, and directed them to love truth and peace. Honest words belonged to the community life He was calling them to practice.
Correct the detail plainly
Following Jesus gives us reason to care about accuracy in everyday speech. If you exaggerated a detail, you might say, “I overstated that. Here is what actually happened.” Keep the correction as clear as the original claim.
If you are unsure of a number or detail, say that you need to check it. When a story involves another person, be especially careful about the impression your words create. Their dignity deserves truthful treatment.
Ask what made the exaggeration tempting. Perhaps you wanted attention or hoped to make a point stronger. Bring that motive before God and ask for help to speak sincerely.
The next retelling can be simpler and more accurate. A willingness to correct your own words is a practical expression of love for truth and care for the people listening.
A prayer
Father, help me speak accurately and sincerely. Forgive the ways I have made more of a story than was true. Give me humility to correct my words and care for those who hear them. Amen.
Read Zechariah 8:14-19 in the NIV.
Keep reading: Telling the Truth When It Costs You Something · A Prayer of Confession You Can Begin Today.
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Love for truth can begin with the humility to correct our own words.
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