John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
"And, what is truth? Is truth unchanging law? We both have truths. Are mine the same as yours?" ~Pontius Pilate - Jesus Christ, Superstar
The word "truth" in the English language is much like the word "love". Both can be used and misconstrued in a variety of ways.
"For God so loved the world" is a distant cry from "I love chocolate".
And, "Tell the truth" is not the same as "I am the way, the truth, and the life".
What rings true for one person may not hold true for another. We need not go far to see this. Just flip to the op-ed page in any paper or watch the talking heads debating issues on the television. Different opinions. Different truths?
What is considered truth in one generation may be questioned by the next. Laws which segregate blacks from whites in the south exist unquestioned for years. Accepted as truth. Until the civil rights movement raises the awareness of another truth: All men are created equal.
Do you wish, like I do, that we could have different words to clearly represent what type of truth we are referring to?
I find it ironic that the English language with its over 600,000 words, more than any other language in the world, delegates to single words so many varied and, at times, confusing meanings.
Jesus promises us that if we hold on to and believe in His teachings, we will know THE truth. HIS truth.
We will love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
We will love our neighbor as ourselves.
His truth is the only one which can set us free from the lies, masquerading as truth, which deceive us. The partial stories. Personal opinions. Unjust laws. Faulty traditions.
And, that's the truth. The whole truth.
Nothing but the truth.
So, help me God . . .
~
How has the truth, revealed in Christ Jesus, set you free?
Will you pray with me?
Do not let us be deluded, Father, by the so-called truths this world would have us believe. Help us to look beyond them to the truth of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. The only truth which can set us free. Amen.
Readings
Psalms (83), 146, 147 or 85, 86
Genesis 27:30-45
Romans 12:9-21
John 8:21-32
Hello Martha. Happy Thursday.
ReplyDeleteThe only truth is the word of God and if we were all to follow it as set out in the Bible, we would indeed be set free.
Sadly, this world is in the grips of sin and the influence of the devil. Man's truth is not God's truth. Man's justice is really injustice and so on and so forth. When the earth is restored to the perfect paradise it was before sin entered its midst, then and only then will we know the truth.
In John 14:6 Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Have a good day & thanks for sharing.
Beautiful comment here, Andy. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteYou have it absolutely right - God's truth IS the only truth and the only one which can free us from sin and death. As you said, if only everyone would seek His truth first . . .
You have a blessed day, too!
Very interesting Martha. You led me to search for the meaning of truth in Hebrew (http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Glossary/Word_of_the_Week/Archived/Emet/emet.html)
ReplyDeleteIt's related to your posts on the God: of yesterday is the same as today and tomorrow :)~ firm, strong, consistent, balanced.
What an immense impact it gave me right now. It made me understood truth in an entirely different dimension.
I'd like to dwell on your prayer and reflection for awhile. I truly love this. Thank you for sharing God's Word.
Wow, Melissa, so neat to know this post inspired you to do some research and what a perfect definition! Glad this helped you to understand "truth" in an entirely new way.
DeleteAs always, thanks for stopping by and praying with me!
Be blessed, my dear!
As you said the truth, the belief and faith is a personal concept, varies from person to person. In India we have so many different castes and communities, so many deities, so many Gurus and saints....each preaching their own truth. It is unto us who we choose to follow and if their teachings holds good for us.
ReplyDeleteThis has really opened my eyes, Janu. I knew there were many deities in the Hindu faith, but never understood that so many choices and ways to worship are available. One must have to be so discerning to choose rightly.
DeleteThanks so much for enlightening us here!
Blessings to you always!
I agree with you. Truth is so very relative just like love. We all have our own versions of truth. Thank you for sharing this Martha
ReplyDeleteHi, Rimly, thanks so much for dropping by today!
DeleteYes, we do have our own versions. I do try to stay focused on God's truth so I can steer clear of any wrong "truths" that stand in the way.
Blessings to you!
Truth is definitely relative, but I think that is hard for many to swallow. I know many who seem to feel quite threatened by that thought.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Rachel!
DeleteWhat we, as humans, see as personal truths can and will differ greatly depending on our culture and our experiences. That's why I try to seek God's truth in all things before deciding what is true for me.
Blessings to you!