Why You're Telling Little Lies and How to Stop

You probably don't outright lie on a regular basis. But, do you exaggerate? Do you give half truths sometimes, or leave things unclear on purpose? Do you hide some facts in order to smooth things over?

Today, Fr. Mike shows us the very-human reasons we all struggle with these "white lies", and how to tell the "full" truth more often.

"Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil." —Jesus in Matthew 5:37

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[Anonymouse]

Father Mike Schmitz, It must be very hard to openly admit these flaws to preach this video, but I want to let everyone know that this transparency is very brave and should be encouraged for the good things it does and the lessons that you teach be clear to live by. You really know what to say to get us thinking and reflecting, and this is yet another great example!

[AmyD]

My OCD has now been kicked into overdrive since watching this. I’m constantly on the lookout for being hyperbolic & oversharing details so I’m sure to be transparent.🙄🤦🏼‍♀️😆

[spaceforgrace]

I think sometimes we tell these little lies out of a sense of insecurity. We are not enough as we are so we have to create an alternative sense of ourselves. I think the biggest lie is that we are not deserving of God's love as we are- all lies stem from this.

[katherinehickey]

Thanks for this video. I'm trying to be a better Catholic and this sermon has given me tools to work with.

[robinson]

This is something I struggle with and what a timing! Thanks father!!

[ELROD.__]

It was not a weird video at all Father, it just striked me in my head. Because today I chosed to lie just to escape from my responsibility. I thank holyspirit for this😇😇

[jennybarrier]

This is such a timely video for me! I've caught myself telling "white lies" some recently without even thinking until my mouth is opened and speaking and it is so frustrating. Thank you for your honesty. Just so no one feels alone... I lie to my Dad about how many cats I have. I'm embarrassed to admit I have 3 inside and 2 outside. He thinks I can't afford to feed them all (or its a waste of money) but they came as stray kittens and I've gotten 3 of them spayed and it barely costs anything to feed them. But i just dont want to hear about it. They bring me joy. And it feels really good to admit that even if it's in Youtube Comments. 😂 Thank you Father Mike. Your candor helps others. ❤
And I pray to just let my "yes be yes and my no be no".

[shareenchoudhury-leighton]

💙 Fear of being judged and disappointing to others ! 💙

[DianeWasylishyn]

Father Mike you are a treasure and I am being completely honest 😊

[christinebutler]

There's one situation in which it may not be so culpable to lie, and that is when it's a safety or survival issue. If you're in an abusive situation and the truth could get you injured or I can tell you many people are in such situations.

[dakotadupee]

This was something the Holy Spirit convicted me of recently!

[amandacaron]

I love you Father Mike simply because. You speak in high volume… it’s so true. All those little white lies nips at our soul in time. I don’t know what hurts more the lies or the truth.. healing hurts, vulnerability hurts but being without God hurts way more .

[MM]

Let your yes be yes and let you no be no. Thanks, Fr. Mike!!!

[lovefromholymeadow]

I have a journal where I work out my confession. I started giving a page to each sin I commit and then write what reason I felt I had for committing the sin. Helps me figure out what I seem to think I'm getting out of them.

[martyvestal]

Two Ironman Triathlons - absolutely awesome!!! It IS a really big deal and an accomplishment to be proud of!! You rock, Father Mike!!!
And if I miss one day not listening to one of your messages, I feel a strong sense that something is missing. ❤️🙏✝️

[timopper]

It’s usually **easier** to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, but it’s usually not **better**.

[ethangunn]

Your the best God bless you Father Mike

[WeskerGaming]

This was very eye opening in an area i struggle in.

[barbarawalsh]

Dear father, Mike., Thank you for taking the time to explain all that my mom used to call it when we did things that we didn’t tell about lying by the sin of omission. It’s strange that the woman who said that to me all the time I am now not telling things because she’s 86 she’s blind and very angry about it and she has a little bit of mental illness so my conversations with her I tried to choose my words carefully and balance what I think, she should know from what actually happened. You definitely have given me some insight I thank you very much.

[clairestevens]

It is sometimes difficult to be honest with people without being rude. “I gotta go” is kinder than adding “because I don’t want to continue this conversation” or “because you are depressing me” or “because I want to read a book now”. The other person doesn’t necessarily have a right to know the details of your life.