Truth can change lives

Speaking the truth in love can be difficult.

However, it is important that we do, especially since it can make the difference between a life moving forward or remaining in the same place, circumstance or stagnancy.

For most, speaking what is true can be an uncomfortable place.

Time may be spent analyzing the situation and preparing oneself to sit down and have a talk.

When my children were in their pre-teen years, I would sit them down and have a talk.

Whenever I approached them with the statement, “We need to talk,” they immediately realized something was going on and it concerned them.

For some reason, it always put them on the defense, wondering what they did and how I may have found out.

Truthfully, it was a known fact in our family that whenever those words came out of my mouth, things were about to change.

Whatever the reason for the talk, as problematic as it seemed, it was a necessary conversation.

It was always intended to bring about a change for the better, focusing on positive results.

Truth spoken in love will produce good fruit.

Searching through God’s word will bring the revelation of truth to each one of us.

Psalm 119:160 reads, “The sum of Thy word is truth.”

God’s word is and will forever be the totality of absolute truth.

In Hebrews 4:12, Scripture reads, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

God sees all things and our lives are in clear view of our Lord.

His word is supplied to provide us with direction, guidance, salvation and truth.

The truth hurts, as the old saying goes.

Indeed, it may for a time but if it generates change for the better, the wound is well worth it.

And healing will come.

Not so true is the old saying, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you.”

It can and it will, eventually, hurt and perhaps lead to destruction.

As this Scripture reads, God’s truth is able to pierce through our preconceived judgments and ideas, attitudes and assumptions.

His word brings light in hidden places, exposing darkness and revealing truth.

God’s word is able to convict us of hidden issues of our hearts that are in need of cleansing and repentance.

Someone who is found guilty by a court of law is considered “convicted” in the eyes of the world.

In many cases, some may become a lost and forgotten person.

Not so with the Lord.

The Holy Spirit releases truth; the truth found in the Word of God and if accepted, this truth pro-duces a change in our lives.

This change brings about a “conviction” and certainty of truth in our own hearts and removes the hidden issues.

God’s commands and truth will enable us to walk without fear and in the confidence of Christ.

That confidence will empower us, and bring victory over the struggles of life.

God, in his great mercy, releases his word to bring healing and wholeness.

Each one of us faces the trials of life and our reaction is diverse.

We may have children with addictions.

There are others facing marital struggle, financial or health issues.

We must address these areas spiritually and practically with God’s truth and simple trust.

We can be assured that we are never lost or forgotten, discarded or rejected by the Lord.

His love, as Scripture reads in Jeremiah 31:3, is “everlasting.”

His care for us, as a father cares for his children, is certain.

Therefore, his direction and discipline in our lives is a necessary avenue to help us along our path of life.

His word is our compass, and our relationship with him is the surety of salvation.

Finally, in John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”

Jesus is the way, revealing the truth found in his word.

This truth will certainly bring the assurance of life through him, now and for all eternity.

Believe and you will receive.

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker and author.