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What is truth? Is it whatever you say it is or what I deem it is? Not necessarily. Truth is that thing that when refuted, examined, challenged, despised, rejected, and attacked, it still remains unchanged and victorious. Consider Proverbs 12:19 (KJV 1900) which states, “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: But a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Truth is that thing where facts and reality converge. But the word "TRUTH" is casually used to express opinions and filtered biases. For some people, if it is true in your mind, then it must be TRUTH for all minds even if other minds hold opposing views. TRUTH is so elusive today, that Google and social media searches produce a multitude of contrary views that are offered as TRUTH. So how may anyone discover what is truth and what is untruth? Read on.

If you are asked a question and you know the TRUTH will likely hurt the other person’s feelings, then what do you do? Do you pretend you did not hear the question? Do you offer a response that dodges the question? Do you soften the TRUTH with conditional words like “probably”; “maybe”; “sometimes”; or some other vague reply? Or do you tell the TRUTH in love, not to harm the person and yet not to deny the TRUTH they seemed interested in receiving?

TRUTH in order to be shared, requires a level of integrity and honesty. Withholding TRUTH can be destructive, misleading, or at least counterproductive. Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:31-32). From these verses we conclude Jesus’ words are TRUTH. Following this TRUTH makes us Jesus’ disciples reflected in our words and deeds.

To the disciples of Christ and every member of clergy, adopt 2 Corinthians 4:1–2 (KJV 1900) which state, “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 13:8 (KJV 1900), “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” God provides people to open our minds to the TRUTH, that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (reference; Ephesians 4:14). Afterall, it is God’s will that all will be saved and come unto the knowledge of the Truth (see 1 Timothy 2:4).

In fact, the prayer of the Christian believer should match the request of the psalmist in Psalm 25:5 (KJV 1900) which states, “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation; On thee do I wait all the day.” Likewise, the words of Psalm 43:3 are equally useful when praying, “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.”

In closing, stand ready to offer the TRUTH and the freedom it engenders. By faith share and never undercut, soften, or sugar-coat the TRUTH. In our world of countless opinions, let us be beacons of God’s TRUTH. This dying world of ours desperately needs TRUTH. Our children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, neighbors, and all people need TRUTH. Be a porter of TRUTH in the name of Jesus. AMEN.