Truth
I know you’ve heard someone say, “The truth will set you free”. However, sometimes the truth in certain difficult situations is not ours to share. For someone like myself who prides themselves on being real and being honest no matter what the costs, no matter the embarrassment, no matter the shame that may come to me personally; not being able to share a full truth because of the consequences it may bring to others including those who are innocent in the situation but still affected is really hard for me. I’m the type of person that likes to put it all out there. My life is an open book and I truly believe the mistakes, hardships, and difficult times in my life not only shaped me but can also help others to get through their difficulties.
Recently I have really been struggling with a difficult situation that has been a part of my own life. There are different situations in our past and in our present where we may be affected by something that has happened to us or those close to us; to heal from them we need to share the truth with others. But when those situations may hurt others, or they may not be fully your story to tell you cannot always share the full truth.
I’ve wrestled with this scenario over and over in my head (and in confidence in speaking with my husband). If the truth will set me free, then how can I speak the truth with keeping true to myself and without hurting others among other serious consequences that may follow? As I’ve contemplated how to best address situations like this, I’ve been stressed out without finding an answer to help me handle it correctly.
After spending some time in my daily bible reading in the book of John chapter eight, I was able to realize what that saying actually means based on its origins and original context. John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jesus was speaking to the Jews who believed in Him, and He told them, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31-32 NIV). Jesus then continues, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)
I don’t need to share the full truth with others in certain situations for myself to receive healing and freedom. I need to seek the Son, Jesus, and share the truth with Him. Then I need to immerse myself in His truth, His Word, the Bible. The word of God is the truth that is being referenced in these verses. For me to find healing and to handle the situation correctly without causing harm to others I need to know His word by studying it and asking for God to give me guidance and wisdom on how to apply His word to all aspects of my life especially in difficult and delicate situations like I’ve been struggling with.
If there are areas in your life where you too are struggling to find the right way to find your freedom and your healing without exposing or hurting others in the situation turn to the one and only truth, God’s word, the Holy Bible. His word is relevant to every aspect of our lives, and it is a living source of wisdom and power through Him. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV) No matter the difficulty, no matter the situation, no matter the shame, no matter the hurt, no matter the guilt His Word is our source of healing.
~Megan
