“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25).
Paul has been discussing the process of putting off the old man and putting on the new man. Putting on the new man means that the Christian must embody a new way of life which is characterized by holiness and righteousness.
Notice that he first speaks of that which must be laid aside or taken off. The new self described in verse 24 is characterized by righteousness and holiness of the truth. For that reason we must lay aside falsehood. But it is not sufficient that we simply put aside the old man, we must speak truth to one another. These words are a quotation of Zechariah 8:16.
Paul does not simply appeal to the moral law he appeals to the bonds of fellowship and community which binds all believers to one another. Since they are members of one body, it is essential that they be completely honest with one another. He has already indicated that the growth of the body is dependent upon members speaking truth in love to one another (4:15). It is this bond of truthfulness that enables the gifted body to work in unity.
Prayer: Father, teach me to speak the truth in love with my fellow members. Amen.