Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Living in Truth

John 8v32 “the truth will set you free.”

I like to make decisions based on the truth. But often establishing the facts is difficult: I struggle to get to the bottom of truth. A mix of lies, half-truths, gloss, spin and dubious opinions makes the true facts hard to establish.

In fact, establishing truth is a spiritual battle. Jesus says “I am the … Truth”, “I came into the world to testify to the truth”, and “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 14v6, 18v37). On the other side, Satan is the one who “Deceives” (Revelation 20v8), is “the father of lies” and in whom there is “no truth” (John 8v44).

Jesus faced the reality that people did not believe him because he spoke the truth. “Yet because I tell the truth you do not believe me” (John 8v45), and after his death the Pharisees even called Jesus a deceiver as they said to Pilate, “We remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’” (Matthew 27v63). This again is the devil’s work as he “blinds the hearts of the unbeliever” (2 Cor 4v4), “accuses the brothers” (Revelation 12v10) and causes people to “falsely say all kinds of evil against you” (Matthew 5v11).

As Christians, we are called to the truth. But where and how do we find truth?

  • In Jesus – his words are true, his actions are filled with integrity, his love if faithful. If you want the security of truth turn to Jesus. If you want the light of truth for direction, turn to Jesus.
  • Hard work – Unfortunately in this world, there are what this world perceives as “many truths”. In reality these are mainly “half-truths” and outright lies. We have to discern what is right and what is wrong, and that is not always easy. There will be areas we will need to remain uncertain.
  • Holy Spirit – Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of Truth”, and “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16v13). Does that mean that as a Spirit-filled believer I am always right? Unfortunately, not. We need to bounce things off the community of faith, but ultimately, the Spirit will “remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14v26)

Let’s base our thinking and actions on the truth, for the “truth will set us free”.

With love and blessing,

Roland