Posted by Lately I have heard a lot about and been pondering on truth. What is truth and what does it mean for my life? What does it mean for those I interact with? How do I stand for truth? These are just a few of the questions that have been floating around in my mind.
I believe this is an important topic for everyone, especially believers in Jesus Christ. In addition, I have found truth to be significant in the therapy office. Sometimes discovering the truth about situations, the past, or oneself can be key to bringing about the healing needed. For some, accepting the truth brings revelation and joy, but for many people, it can feel harsh and painful.
I recently heard several sessions from a conference that dealt with this topic of truth. Many things stuck out to me, but one was, “truth is only going to bring change if I’m willing to let go of the lie.” She was talking about how we can invite God in our lives to search us (Psalm 139:23-24) and then respond to what He reveals. In this way we gain wisdom to apply the truth to our lives. This is certainly a process for believers and for those who come to counseling for help. Revealed truths take time to sink in and then must be used to make changes. Another thing this speaker mentioned is that we must dwell in the Lord (sit with Him). This is the best way to hear the truth and not just ponder it but begin to take action.
Truth is not a popular topic in our world today. For a lot of people truth is subjective. It is not the truth but your truth. Another speaker at the conference I mentioned said this, “your truth seeks what is most comfortable for you. Your truth allows you to remain the same.” I found this to be profound because I have seen time again people in my life and my counseling office choose what they believe to be true rather than the truth that often can be painful or force change done only through hard work. In John 8 we learn that Jesus is the truth. His Word is our standard for truth.
Does this mean that as a Christian or as a counselor that I go around screaming God’s truth in everyone’s faces? Absolutely not! Truth must always be spoken in love and with compassion. The key is relationship. This is true for all fellow believers and for the counseling office. Having a relationship with someone is a vital component in speaking truth. Feeling tension is okay in life and in therapy. It can mean that we are being challenged in our faith and challenged in understanding the truth.
Truth should change us. It should change us as people, as believers, and for those who are struggling. Prayerfully as we all learn to share the truth with compassion, it will allow for more dialogue, more relationship building, more understanding, and more healing. There is a lot to be said about truth, but ultimately it comes down to the fact that Jesus is the truth. Only through Him can true healing and true change take place.
Heritage Counseling Center Blog 