Photo by Wendelin Jacober
Truth’s Friends
“The truth will make you free,” ¹ Jesus said.
Yes, of course, he’s right.
But some truth is painful and ugly,
and signals entering a fight.
Like a cancer now exposed,
I would prefer that fact, untrue.
Life as usual, though false, I miss.
Then, I knew what to do.
The truth sometimes has strange friends—
confusion, silence, or shame.
Sometimes anger or fear, even death.
Perhaps, loathing a name.
But one friend is beautiful, helpful, warm,
a gift—necessary as sight.
Where blindness had ruled and darkness laughed,
the truth brings us light.
John 8:32
© 2018 gratefulsue
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We should not avoid truth, even if it is unpleasant or scary. Truth brings light and understanding to every situation. Often, truth brings needed information for future decisions and plans.
Jesus cares about truth. In John 8:45 Jesus says, “…I tell the truth.” In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am… the truth…” In John 8:46 Jesus says, “If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?” In John 8:31-32 Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
These are some pretty audacious statements if they’re not true. Do you need to know the truth about something? Ask Jesus to show you the truth. He is trustworthy.