“Honestly, we need a good dose of the truth. When we listen to someone’s heart does it “ring true” for us? Kathy Spampinato

We need some truth! We are surrounded by images and dialog that have been shaped and managed. In our society and media, the truth has been molded so much, that we’re not sure what is real. We are not even sure what we believe about the news because we know it is framed with opinion and manipulation. The slant or bent of the delivery is not overt, making it hard to detect. The portrait captured has been photoshopped to remove all the “imperfections” and to give a view of the ideal that has little resemblance to reality. In fact, many people believe there is no ultimate truth because it is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. Only our own opinion reveals what is right in our eyes.

How do you navigate through the mud of deception? How do you enter into relationships with people when you’re not sure if they can be trusted? Our entertainment is full of stories of those who have been manipulated until they cannot recognize the truth from the lie. They’ve been swindled. How much of what people say is truth and how much is the view they want you to see? People are “catfished”: presented a false identity or online personality created only to deceive. In this environment, it is understandable to be cautious and slow to accept others. Trust is earned. How do you discern the truth? How do you guard your heart and yet still be open to others? Whom will you trust?

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 21:2 ESV, that “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Lies and deception are rooted in evil and the character of the devil. Sometimes we look at people’s behavior and make excuses for their bad choices and manipulative behavior. Although we need compassion for those who are acting out of their own needs and pain, we’ve lost the sense of what is right and wrong. Honestly, we need a good dose of the truth. When we listen to someone’s heart does it “ring true” for us? Do we recognize that they speak out of the abundance of their heart? Does something inside of us resonate when we can trust and understand someone else? Discernment comes with the knowledge of the truth: from God’s heart.

John 14:6 ‘Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ‘

Ephesians 4:15-16 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

As people of faith, we must cultivate relationships where we speak the truth in love! This will enable us to grow in every way, into the character of Christ. We then handle others with care and concern, while we reveal truth that they may not understand or perceive. Only together, can we be equipped to build each other up. Only then can we begin to reflect the true character of our Father, God. When we speak to others with truth and love, we display honesty and engender trust. We reveal the heart of God and dispel the atmosphere of deception and manipulation we have grown accustomed to. Do you want to join me?

John 8:31-32 ‘So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”’