When I was young, our family lived next door to brothers who had a gorgeous apple tree in their yard. The apples looked so good and juicy, and we all wished that we could have one. There were five sisters in my family at this time. A brother came much later. One day, the neighbour told us that we could have some of his apples. Four of us sisters picked and took a basket home to mother. Dad asked where the apples came from. We all said that we got them from our neighbour. We all got a spanking for lying even though we were telling the truth. We found out much later that Dad had broken his leg as a child by climbing a neighbour's tree to steal apples. Truth does not always guarantee that trouble or accusation will not ensue.

Over the years of raising children, how many times do we say in conversation, "Tell me the truth"? Sometimes, we even add the phrase, "No trouble if you tell me the truth." Family, friends, neighbours, and our workplaces want to see people of integrity and honesty.

Today's world seems to present many untruths on social media, on television, and in print. Advertisements are saturated in exaggeration. There is so much fake news that people are hired to refute it. Even photos can be misleading sometimes. The tragedy is that the public tends to quickly believe what they see and hear without checking a reliable source.

The disciple Thomas was one who was concerned about checking out the truth:

John 20:25 – The other disciples told [Thomas], "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." (NIV)

Just a few days before, on the evening before His crucifixion, when Thomas had wondered where Jesus was going, He had told him and the other disciples:

John 14:6 – I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)

John 16:13a – When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. (NIV)

John 17:17 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (NIV)

Thomas learned that his Saviour truly was truth. Tradition tells us that Thomas took the message of the gospel to India.

Scripture is truth. We can count on what we learn from the Bible. The indwelling Holy Spirit helps believers to know how God wants them to live. Our actions and words need to exemplify our witness of being a Christian.

Prayer: Dear Father, keep us as people of truth, even when there is a cost. Help us to remember that Your Son Jesus paid the cost of our salvation at Calvary. Help our lives to exhibit integrity to everyone around us. Help us to appreciate Your goodness, love, and grace. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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