Let’s be honest, sometimes truth feels a lot like that friend who just can’t help but tell it like it is, even when we’d prefer not to hear it. You know, the one who will kindly point out that the “shortcut” you took to avoid traffic actually added 20 minutes to your commute, or who suggests you may have slightly overcooked dinner. Truth can be uncomfortable, but like that annoyingly honest friend, it’s also exactly what we need.
Truth has a unique way of loving us back to reality when we’ve gone off track. And whether we like it or not, the truth isn’t just about facts and figures; it’s about aligning ourselves with something greater, more lasting, and, yes, more challenging than our comfort zones.
The Nature of Truth
The Bible speaks of truth as an unshakable part of God’s nature. In John 14:6, Jesus tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Truth, in this sense, is less about being “right”. It isn’t just a matter of perception or personal preference; it’s an invitation to see things as they truly are. When Jesus says He is the truth, He’s showing us that truth is eternal and unchanging, rooted in God’s character.
Arthur Schopenhauer had a pretty brilliant way of describing the nature of the truth when he said "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." The truth may be laughed at, or fought against, but none of this changes the truth as it continues to remain what it is from generation to generation, and in every context.
Truth Protects Us (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
We’ve all had those moments when we’d prefer to ignore the truth because it clashes with what we want to do. Imagine you’re on a walk and see a sign warning of a steep cliff ahead. Sure, you could ignore it and keep charging forward—but it’s the truth of that sign that protects you. God’s truth acts the same way, as Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s truth may sometimes feel restrictive, but it’s always there to guide and keep us safe from spiritual falls.
Truth Sets Us Free
One of the most powerful things Jesus ever said about truth is in John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” At first, it might seem like truth is a burden, pointing out our flaws and reminding us of our weaknesses. But in reality, truth liberates us by clearing away the fog of deception that can settle over our lives. Lies keep us trapped, covering up parts of our lives that God wants to transform.
Some of us have met people who are unwilling to hear the truth from friends, and so go on making mistakes that keep making their lives difficult, and are bound to keep going around in the same circle of pain and hurt simply because they are unwilling to accept the truth because they fear it will restrained. This is particularly true with friends who constantly "fall in love" with people who are evidently not good for them again and again because they will not accept the truth about what is best.
Living with Truth
Embracing truth doesn’t mean it’s always easy to live by, but it does mean we’re more grounded, humble, and (hopefully) kind. It requires us to trust God even when the truth is hard to swallow. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to “speak the truth in love,” a reminder that truth, at its best, is wrapped in compassion and delivered with grace. Truth isn’t just a hammer; it’s a tool God uses to gently reshape us into His likeness.
If you’ve ever experienced a time when God’s truth has challenged you, you know it’s not always pleasant in the moment. But over time, you see that it was exactly what you needed to grow and become who God created you to be.
Christ as the Ultimate Truth
Here’s the best part about truth: it’s not just a concept; it’s a person. Jesus Christ is the truth, the ultimate reality that cuts through all the noise. When we believe in Christ and His finished work on the cross, we step into a relationship with the truth Himself, and through Him, we’re made whole and free. By trusting in Jesus, we receive the truth of God’s forgiveness, love, and the promise of eternal life.
So yes, truth may sometimes be that annoying friend who says what we need to hear instead of what we want to hear. But if we lean into it, we find it’s not here to shame us—it’s here to save us. Embracing truth is really about embracing Christ, knowing that in Him, we have everything we need. If we trust in His love and grace, we’ll find that the truth is not only bearable but beautiful, guiding us toward a life that is free, authentic, and eternally secure.
For everyone who believes in Christ’s finished work, who rests in His truth, salvation is yours. And that, my friends, is the truest, most life-giving message you’ll ever hear.