In our last post, Communication Breakdown, we saw the devastation caused by living a lie, by trying to be someone other than who you are. The ultimate outcome is the loss of relationship with God, others, and yourself.
Before we can learn the fundamentals of good communication, we must examine the ultimate foundation to build it upon – which is truth.
Most people wake up in the morning and tell themselves that they’re hungry. Is that the truth? Of course. A father or mother may gaze upon their child and say, “I love you so much.” Is that a fact? Yes. On some level, every parent loves his or her children.
But what about the weightier things in life, such as right v. wrong, what happens when you die, or what constitutes your highest and best life?
If you have been living on this planet for any appreciable amount of time, you know that there is a plethora of opinions about these questions. Some will say that all opinions are true, because truth is relative. Is that accurate? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
People only tell themselves that truth is relative, to justify their behavior.
The only One who possesses the absolute truth about the big questions in life, is God. Let’s return to what Joshua said to the Israelites just prior to his death (see Passing the Torch):
“…you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God has promised concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you…” Josh. 23:14 AMP
None of God’s words fail; they can be totally relied upon. Thus, they are the absolute truth:
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoke and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Nm. 23:19 NLT
The word of God is an extension of Himself; therefore, God is truth – truth that stands forever:
The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. Ps. 119:160 NLT
For I am the LORD, I do not change. Mal. 3:6 NKJV
So, God’s word is truth; truth does not change. It is the same yesterday, today and for all tomorrows. Conversely, anything contrary to Jehovah’s word is not the truth.
He loves you so much. God always wants to be connected to you. You keep that connection alive, by actively planting His truth in your heart, so that you can effectively walk in it:
Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within. Ps. 51:6 CSB
Another reason that God desires truth in your heart, is that it is vital to your salvation:
…God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. 1 Tim. 3, 4. AMP
Your salvation both guarantees an eternity of love, and the ability to live your highest and best life on earth, while simultaneously accomplishing God’s purposes in and through you.
Jehovah began speaking the truth through Moses, continued telling it through the subsequent prophets, and culminated it through His Son:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jn. 14:6 NKJV
Jesus is the mirror image of God. Thus, His gospel is the truth – the living word of His Father. You need to make yourself ready, by embracing that gospel, in order to receive all of the benefits contained within it:
“If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the Truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” Jn. 8:31, 32. AMP
Truth frees us from death, from the corruption that festers in the world, and from the fear used by that same world, to try to intimidate us into conforming to its ways. Truth also frees us up to love and be loved. When you are free, you can hear the voice of God:
“Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Jn. 18:37 NKJV
In addition, Jehovah also sent the Holy Spirit, to marinate us in the truth:
“…when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father – the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose what is to come [in the future]. He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.” Jn. 16:13, 14. AMP
Thus, the Holy Spirt comes to increase your understanding regarding the truth of Christ, which is the final evolvement of the word of God.
Finally, let us not forget that God is love. Therefore, truth must be a requisite part of love. So, we need to package our love with truth:
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 Jn. 3:18 NLT
So then, if truth stands forever, so will our love…
Now, we’ve seen what broken communication looks like and why the brokenness occurs. In two weeks, we will look at how God wants us to frame our foundation when it leaves our mouths.
Why two weeks? Because I want to pause next week, due to recent events, and examine with you how we can help God save this country…
Goodnight and God bless.