Truth and Love are closely related and interdependent. Both are of eternal significance. Only by applying each concept illuminated by the other can the fullness of their purposes be achieved.
Truth is meant to be liberating by providing a safe fixed framework that frees us from the insecurities of doubt and dangers of deception. Love frees us from the constraints imposed by self, time or space and enables us to achieve eternal significance.
Truth
Truth can be illusive, not because of it’s own nature but the nature of those who control access to it. Truth, if not treasured, is ultimately lost while few seem to notice. Once it is lost, truth may take generations to be re-established in the fabric of a society and often requires distress to be reconsidered.
Civilizations rise and fall while little is learned from their mistakes. Some lessons are learned but neglecting the truth contained within them leads to the same end. History and social progression (which is cyclical) does not change the nature of truth and neither does the facts as presented. We cannot claim to have superseded God’s knowledge if all we are doing is discovering what He has put in place eons ago.
Facts are an interpretation of the truth relayed according to perspective or intent. Opinion is a further morphing of facts to adhere to an ideological belief. Both are subjective to an extent.
Anyone that is sincerely seeking the truth has to return to the source of truth themselves.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
There is a reason that God took the time to provide us with His written Word. Wisdom and truth that has stood the test of time. Drifting away from the source of the truth leads to cyclical progression and ultimately a reset. This mindset surrenders to the great deception that truth is secondary to political correctness. Those whom we aim to please by exchanging truth for political correctness are often not impressed. Sincerity lacking truth is interpreted as weakness of character and does not have a lasting positive effect on any relationship. Honesty and truth breeds respect.
God’s hand operates in the truth of His Word, not facts or opinion regardless of the potential consequences. Truth is best pursued in all situations, not blindly but with wisdom and love.
Political correctness can be selfish and destructive if it hides the truth which carries eternal consequences for the benefit of immediate and temporary gratification. Any form of truth that is not underpinned by spiritual integrity and eternal awareness becomes self-serving
Truth testifies of holiness and exposes evil.
“If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” – 1 John 1:6
Truth is the Word of God. Not our circumstances or the facts we are presented with but what God declares.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Important truths from “the source”:
- We all need a savior –“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” – Romans 3:23
- The consequences of sin is death. – “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8 – If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. – Mark 9:43
- God provided a way for us to be redeemed – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 , “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:10-11
- Only going to church does not mean that one is set free. Knowing and loving God does., “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me you who practice lawlessness.’ – Matthew 7:23
Truth that is lived out and applied without Love profits nothing. We cover love in our next blog post.
Have a blessed week.