The truth will set you free

John 8: 31- 42

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth and the truth will set you free." (New Jerusalem Bible)

Many motivational gurus and even some schools of Christian counselling present people with lists of 'truths' that, when read and believed in, are supposed to set people free from all sorts of personal problems. These 'truth' statements especially the Christian ones are surely encouraging and of benefit by being psychologically uplifting and may indeed have a place to play in self-improvement and promoting better mental health.

However, in John's Gospel when Jesus speaks of 'truth' he is not referring to some set of philosophical propositions. He is referring to himself - in other words 'truth' has a relational aspect. Jesus never presents teaching in isolation from getting to know him and his Father better. Being a Christian is not just being a person of high morals - it is living in a vibrant and growing relationship with the One who leads us to the truth.

There is an aspect of truth that cuts deep, that Jesus never feared to challenge people with. This is "truth in the inward parts" (Ps.51:6). Jesus sees through every self-deception. This is not comfortable for us because it means we have to seek to engage God's Word with the whole person (make his Word our home - live in it ) and not just with the intellect.

Spiritual guides of old have always reminded us that "without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God" (Jean Calvin) or "Let me know myself, let me know Thee" (St. Augustine). I believe that the truth that knowledge of self brings is very fearful to us. Yet I believe that God constantly invites us to remove the masks and see within us the very ugliness that we criticize others for.

Once on a retreat, we were asked to make two lists: one list of the things that God likes about us and the other list of things that God dislikes. In other words, to come "naked before God". It was an uncomfortable and yet necessary discipline. I cannot embrace God's truth unless I have found out about the untruths within myself. Otherwise, as Jesus told the people..."You have no room for my Word" (v. 37). Yes, it is not easy to see ourselves as God sees us. However, when I personally took the plunge, I not only faced the truth about myself. I was relieved and deeply moved to find that Jesus was waiting for me there, knowing full well my weaknesses and vulnerabilities, yet extending the offer to heal and redeem. He does look upon us with much gentle and forgiving love for we have been called the Beloved and he greatly desires that we be transformed into who we are are created to be.

Yes, the truth will set us free, truth about ourselves that opens us to live in the truth of our Beloved Lord.