Making honesty our habit enables us to experience the joy and freedom our Savior desires for us.
John 8:31-36: 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Before you buy a used vehicle or a house, it’s wise to have an inspection. If there are faulty brakes in a car or mold in a home’s basement, you want to know, right? The truth can help you avoid making a costly—even deadly—mistake. Truth protects us.
This principle applies to our spiritual life too. In today’s passage, Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (vv. 31-32). The Jews were confused. They were, after all, Abraham’s descendants and had “never been enslaved to anyone” (v. 33). Jesus told them that everyone is a slave to sin but that He came to set them free. And He sets us free too.
The truth of the gospel allows us to enter into relationship with our heavenly Father. Then, as we read and study God’s Word, His truth becomes more and more ingrained in our heart. We become so familiar with it that we’re able to recognize wrong teaching. Biblical truth provides guidance, wisdom, strength, courage, comfort, and faith. Living in God’s truth lets us experience the life He wants for us—a life of joy and freedom. How has truth protected and liberated you?