The Truth

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The Truth

Scripture 3 John 1-4 (NRSV)

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.  

Devotion

            I was reading the Epistles of John today and I noticed that John speaks often of the truth. Truth seems to me to be under assault today. We hear almost daily of “fake news” and “alternative facts.” But is the news really “fake” or does someone just not like what is being said so they accuse it of being fabricated. Some news stories do indeed turn out to be false, but the majority of them are based on facts.

            That is why this introduction to 3 John struck me as being especially powerful for today’s world. Would that every person would try to imitate the person John wrote this letter to. But how exactly does one do what this person is apparently doing so well: “Walking in the truth.”

            First, a person’s speech must be free of lies. Not only the really big ones but also the little white lies that get thrown about these days. It is essential for a believer’s speech to be as true as possible. We should also avoid lies of omission. That leaving out of your speech that crucial detail that would make the statement completely true.

            Next, our actions must be free from deception. What we do must come from a pure heart. We must not say one thing and then turn around and do something else. We must be kind to others because we are filled with kindness not because we hope to get something in return. Although it is possible to act your way into being kind, gentle, and loving sometimes known as “faking it until you make it.” In any event it is better to be kind than cruel.

            Finally, our spiritual life must be pure. We must be honest before our God because God knows our hearts. The Holy Spirit knows our hearts. The Spirit can detect pride and other sins before even we notice we are acting/speaking in a sinful manner. If we can do these three things, then we will truly be walking in the truth.

            “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God;” (3 John 5-6) John sums up what it looks like to walk in the truth. Always be hospitable to one another even strangers. Act honestly, speak truthfully and be kind and walk humbly with your God.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus help us to walk in this world as beacons of the truth. Make us by the power of your Holy Spirit to be examples to the people around us of faithful honest and pure lives. Help us to live our lives in such a way that we always bring glory to you dear Lord.

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