Truth is Relational
How important is it for you to be right? For some people being right is EVERYTHING. They would rather sacrifice relationship than be wrong, or thought of as being wrong. Others, however, seem to care more about relationships and harmony with others than they do about being right. They would sacrifice being right for the sake of maintaining or building relationship.
Scripture teaches us the importance of the components of truth and love in relationships. The goal is to “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15) This means more than to simply speak your perspective of the truth in a caring way. At its deepest level, “speaking the truth in love” points to Jesus.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) He didn’t say He teaches the truth, but that He IS the truth. Truth ultimately is a person – the personal expression of God on earth. He is the embodiment of the life of God. He also is “the way.” The way to where – heaven? Yes, but more specifically the way to relationship with the Father. He is the expression and example of truth, and the doorway to relationship with the Father. The way, truth and life are all personal and relational.
Truth is not just a gathering of propositions, logic or abstractions; it is personalized in Jesus. The Truth by definition opens the way to relationship with the Father and people. Isn’t that what Jesus did? He came to destroy the barriers of sin, misunderstanding and judgment between people and God and between individuals and groups.
Religions and cultures tend to draw lines between people – they form boundaries that determine who is “in” and who is “out” based upon truth perspectives. But Jesus, The Truth, is the way into relationship with the Father. In Him there is no need for you to be estranged from your Father in heaven – come near to Him and He will come near to you. (James 4:8) He also erases the lines between people. In Him you have no need to be estranged from others. You CAN love anyone and everyone in the power of His name. If you have wronged anyone, confess your sin. If they have wronged you, do what you need to do to forgive them. Life is not about “being right,” or holding on to your rights, but rather living an abundant life of love in Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He leads you into love relationships with the Father and with people – that’s the truth! Whatever may be holding you back relationally is probably not the Truth, and not “right” either.
Living to love you,
Pastor Tom
