What is truth?

Merriam-Webster defines it as “the real facts about something, the things that are true” and “the body of real things, events, and facts” and “the body of true statements and propositions” and finally, “a transcendent or fundamental spiritual reality.”

Now you know what truth is. Or do you? In scripture, we see that God will not and cannot lie. He will always tell the truth, regardless of anyone’s feelings. That sounds brutal, but think about this…

You’ve just dressed in what you think is the most amazing outfit in preparation to stand on stage to receive a prestigious award. Your friends have oohed and ahhed over the outfit, telling you it’s amazing and you look outstanding. One friend, however, is looking at you with that look. You know the look. The one that tells you you’re about to make a mistake. You ask what the look is for and that friend tells you the truth about the outfit, that it’s not a good color on you, the fit is horrible, and it makes you look a fright.

But everyone else declared it wonderful! You choose to go along with the crowd, and later reports about your award are focused more on the outfit that didn’t compliment you at all instead of the success you achieved.

Truth is important. But it’s often uncomfortable. It often hurts. And sometimes, people will say to you what they think you want to hear rather than hurt your feelings. Had you listened to that one friend who spoke truth to you, the story of your accomplishment and your goals would have been repeated instead of critique about the clothing you wore.

We live in a time when major celebrities are telling us there are many ways to God, that we can find our own path. Jesus stated something very different. He declared very clearly that HE is the ONLY Way, Truth, and Life, and that no one gets to the Father outside of Him.

That’s truth. It’s truth many don’t want to hear. There are various reasons people don’t want to go through Jesus. Sometimes, like Ghandi, it’s because of His followers who don’t act in accordance to His will. Sometimes it’s because they don’t want to surrender to Him. None of those reasons change the fact that Jesus is the Truth, the Way to God, and the Life that lasts forever.

What’s that mean for us today? That means that whatever we read in the scripture is true. I mean, it IS a book all about Him. It means that if we’re following Him, we must speak truth. God will not lie, to be like Him, we should not either. We’re given the command to speak the truth in love. We don’t get a pass because we want to make someone feel okay about where they stand. You wouldn’t tell that friend with the unseemly outfit that they look hideous. You would filter your words through love, but you would definitely speak the truth.

It means we don’t have to worry about God changing up the rules and facts on us. He could, He has the capability. He’s God. But because He is Truth, He will not. It is not His character.

That should become a part of our character. We should be known as the children of Truth. We should be recognized as the ones who will speak the truth no matter what.

That truth-speaking begins in the mirror. When you look at you, you must see what God sees. That person is created in His image, designed for His purposes, just as He wanted. That person has faults, but is not faulty. That person makes mistakes, but is not a mistake. That person fails, but is not a failure.

Once you understand those truths about you, you’re ready to share them with others. Let God speak through you. He IS Truth and He will reveal what others need to know through you as you allow. It’s time to allow.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.