Truth

God is the truth. This is what Christians believe because in the Holy Bible, Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). He also said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8: 31-32). The Bible also tells us of the Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father” (John 15:26). Therefore Christians believe that God is the truth and His Word is the truth. As such, truth is a most important Christian value.

If we walk in the way of truth then we walk with God. And if we speak the truth, we speak God’s words. The opposite is also true – if we depart from the truth, in our thoughts, speech or actions, then we sadly become separated from God.

The person who loves the truth will always act with justice and fairness. It is the way of God. Therefore, as Christians we must firstly look to ourselves in truth. We must judge ourselves truthfully and not make excuses for any of our wrongdoings but rather to promptly admit our faults, to correct our mistakes, to rush to repentance. Furthermore, those that love the truth will not oppress others nor do they accept injustice towards others even if it is injustice towards their adversaries. This is the nature of truth.

The person who loves the truth deals fairly with all people, regardless of race, sex, religion or status. Truth doesn’t excuse the bad behavior of a friend and condemn another person for the same behavior. As Christians, let us remember the teachings of the Holy Bible for it says, “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 17:15). There isn’t any favoritism in truth. And the Holy Bible teaches us that “if you show partiality, you commit sin” (James 2 : 9).

Indeed, the Christian who loves the truth is a faithful person. This is because truth is one of God’s names and the one who loves the truth, loves God. He or she seeks the truth, walks in the way of truth, says the truth and accepts only the truth. Indeed, he or she is led by the truth. Therefore, the faithful Christian, who loves the truth, will say the truth even if it has detrimental consequences to him or her. We see this in the Bible, with John the Baptist and many of the prophets such as Jeremiah and Elijah who suffered for telling the truth. As Christians, we should at least admit our faults straightaway and say the truth even if it is against ourselves or a loved one – without partiality or excuses.

The Holy Bible teaches us that “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22). Therefore, let our words be true and sincere. Let us follow the truth, not only with our words, but with our principles and belief. Let us defend the truth that it may lead to justice and that we may act fairly at all all times. Let us not lose the truth in exaggeration, self justification or half facts told in a deceitful way. Let us be careful not to cover our wrongdoings with lies for this will never lead to repentance or growth. Let us also remember the very serious words of the Holy Bible which warn that “hiding hatred makes you a liar” (Proverbs 10:18) such as those who falsely accuse the innocent and trump up charges to hurt others.

THE WHOLE TRUTH

The Holy Bible contains the whole truth. It doesn’t tell us just the attractive and pleasant facts but also the confronting and sobering. For example, Jesus Christ our Lord tells us plainly, “In the world you will have tribulation.” This is half the truth. The other half follows, “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Therefore, we do not escape from the phrase, “You will have tribulation” and be comforted by leaving it out. No, we remember it, no matter how difficult it gets. But we also remember its second half, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” How good it is that God tells us the whole truth. We shouldn’t be dismayed by the truth of tribulation and of difficult days but rather be encouraged that we are on the right path. Walking with the true God. Truth is strong, no matter what clashes with it.

The Holy Bible tells us much about God’s love and this brings us much joy. However, it also warns us of God’s justice. This is the whole truth that doesn’t separate God’s justice from God’s love. God’s justice is merciful and God’s mercy is just… The two together are the whole truth, the complete truth…

As Christians we are encouraged that we are God’s children (1 John 3:1) but the Holy Bible also tell us, “that whoever is born of God does not sin” (1 John 5:18). Again this is the whole truth. Yes, we are God’s children but we also must obey God’s commandments. No matter how difficult it seems to us, we must strive and use God’s grace within us to obey all His commandments. As the Bible says, “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:8)