Truthful living is the outcome of our relationship with God of holy love. The Bible tells us that Jesus prayed for His followers before He sacrificed Himself for our wayward lives; “sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). There exists an integral relationship between truthful living and experience of God’s holy love, as revealed in Jesus Christ.
An experience of the living Christ and His word imparts freedom from anxiety and fear; states which threaten to suffocate us all, every now and then. Living with unending tension is always a matter of high concern, especially in days of popular anxiety like our own. Do we trust God or money to keep our heads above the waves of anxiety that hit us hard in changing times? It gives our weary hearts hope when we remember Jesus prayed for us.
Unlike changing time and tides, God’s love for us never changes. His discipline might hurt in the moment, but it is for our good. Discipline by God builds character and leads us on the path of truthful living.
Similarly, we should never fear criticism. It is, in fact, an opportunity to introspect and correct course, as necessary. The truth of God’s word empowers us to live fearlessly and lovingly. While we may learn from history, we are called to love and serve our neighbour in our context today; the suffering, those dispossessed by the oppressive power of the mighty. We see this happen every day in our context. To remain silent is to give into fear and deny the power of holy and truthful living.
Jesus challenged His opponent when He said, “Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” (John 8:46). Many have tried over thousands of years to malign Jesus, but the living Christ has defended Himself and continues to transform lives. Even today, God’s truth sanctifies us for holy living.