Truth.. can you handle it? 2020

​Q: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God? <pause>  A: Hmmm, maybe.  What are we talking about, I mean I need some context here before I swear.

Ok, I do not believe this type of answer would fly well in a court of law.  Truth is truth, and I should not be afraid of the truth. Right?  Or can't I handle the Truth?

How about outside the court of law where I do not have to swear on a bible?  Can I fudge or tweak the truth so it does not look so blessed incriminating?  I mean to say.. that check is really in the mail.. almost. :)

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What if a wife asks her hubby: "Are these pants too tight?" In this case, be truthful.. BUT choose your words wisely so they are not your LAST.

On the flip side if a husband asks: "How do I look?"  There is a  better than 75% chance the hubby will receive the whole (blunt as a 2x4 to the face) truth and nothing but  the unfiltered truth.

For all of the above and more truth in love is a beautiful thing.  Truth is not always convenient, and it may sting a little or A LOT, but avoiding the truth will not make it go away. In many ways TRUTH PURIFIES. Truth provides light to shadows, and clarity + context to motives, and agendas.  

Side Note: I believe there will be a harsh judgment some day on today's media that is motivated by agendas and narratives instead of reporting truth. Half truths are in reality a LIE.

​But also the church (we are the church) are called to share the good news (THE TRUTH) of Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.  To not share this gospel message of salvation would be unloving.  To share a message that 'Jesus is love and wants to help you' but not share a message that convicts us ALL of sins (yes sins) instead of preaching we are all pretty good folk.. is a false narrative much like the above mentioned media. 

• TRUTH is God loves us so much that he gave his Son to die for our sins John 3:16.  YES he loves us, and YES we are sinners that need to repent to be saved. 
• TRUTH is Jesus is the one way to Heaven John 14:6.  TRUTH is God's love is so great he will leave the 99 to save the one, and rejoice when he finds the one Matthew 18:12-13. 
• TRUTH also is that one who God sought out when leaving the 99 needed saving, and so do each of us.​

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Think about it,, If  there is ONE WAY to Heaven through Jesus Christ then we must preach Christ always in our words and  deeds. Do not apologize for this truth! If you believe in Heaven and Hell then as  family, friend,  neighbor,  and/or citizen we cannot remain silent when the Truth of  Jesus is eternally important.

While this subject of deep down nook and crannies of our lives truth feels a bit intrusive it must be a cornerstone to our faith. We should embrace truth in love for ourselves and others, and share the truth the only way to Heaven is  Jesus Christ.

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My prayer today is for us all to be truthful and loving in word and deed.  Remember, 1 Corinthians 13 shares all is meaningless (including Truth) without love. In all things, To God be the glory.

Blessings

​Jeff (mostly-honest?) Larson

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