God Never Exaggerates

I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:20

We don’t always mean to do it, but it happens: we tend to exaggerate. Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m starving”? How about “I’m dead on my feet”? Maybe someone has accused you of never doing something or always doing something else. These are pretty big statements to make.

According to Webster’s dictionary, the word exaggerate means to overstate, or think or tell of something as greater than it is. Haven’t we been taught that words like always and never hinder our communication with others, that many times using them fuels confrontations? I’m so encouraged by the fact that God never exaggerates.

All through Scripture, God communicates His unexaggerated but extravagant love for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent to die on the cross for our sins. What loving earthly father would give the life of his only son or daughter for the life of another person? God did that for all of mankind. God gave His Son for you. God gave His Son for me!

The Word of God is full of claims that may seem like boasts or exaggerations, but they are really true statements.

To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12, NIV

God is the King of all the earth. Psalm 47:7, NIV

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7, NIV

He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV (EMPHASIS ADDED IN ALL OF THE VERSES QUOTED)

God is the only One who can say these words honestly every single time.

Every time you read these words in Scripture—all, always, or never—highlight them in your Bible. And remember, God never exaggerates!