“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true,” 1 Jn 5:20 (ESV). Not only do you know the truth, but you know the one who is the truth (John 14:6). You know God, who is the source of truth and his nature is truth. You know the truths that restore God’s image in you and make you like Jesus. You know the falsehoods that tear people down.
Today there is an explosion of different ideas and philosophies that claim to tell us what is true. Many are versions of the idea that the only truth is what you choose, or what is inside you. This idea just leads to narcissism which is why we see so much self-centeredness and destructiveness in the world. But Jesus gave us understanding. He showed us God’s truth so that we could stay anchored in reality. And God’s reality is that he loves us and leads us to love one another and grow communities (churches) that shine with his light. This truth is higher than every “truth” that others claim. His truth frees us from self-centeredness and connects us to himself so we can bring his love and truth to others. The truth has set us free from this fallen world (John 8:32), and crowned us with the privilege of offering this freedom and truth to the lost.
