For The Truth's Sake

Truth is foundational to our faith because our Lord Jesus is the embodiment of “Truth” (Jn 14:6)! John gave a stern warning to “the elect lady and her children” (v. 1), which also applies to all “likeminded” (Php 2:2), believers that we walk “in truth” (v. 4); because there are many “false teachers” (2 Pet 2:1), around us. Satan is the father of lies (Jn 8:44), and a master deceiver (2 Cor 11:14). His goal is to defeat and destroy (1 Pet 5:8), every believer who is following God’s will (Jms 4:15)! God’s word “is true from the beginning” (Ps 119:160); He “is not a man, that He should lie” (Num 23:19), or break His promises (2 Pet 1:4). As we learn “the deep things of God” (1 Cor 2:10), we can recognize the importance of aligning our lives to His truth (Prov 4:23), and His “perfect will” (Rom 12:2).

 Which results in a deeper fellowship with Him and with other believers (1 Jn 1:3). When we abide in Him as He is in us (Jn 15:4), His truth shall surely manifest in our lives as “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22). Even the unbelievers will notice that the words we speak hold great power (Heb 4:12). Because “we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Cor 2:13). Our tongue has the power to either build up or tear down, as “death and life” (Prov 18:21).

And since we already “put off the old man with his deeds” (Col 3:9), we are to be “honest in the sight of all men” (Rom 12:17), and to speak “the truth in love” (Eph 4:15), so we can win others for Christ! When we genuinely express the truth, we honor God and reflect His image in our lives (2 Cor 3:18). Trust and accountability are nurtured in our relationships. We shall witness this powerful transformation not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera