Jeremiah 10:11-24
Psalms 42, 43, 85, 85
Romans 5:12-21
John 8:21-32
Jesus said to
the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my
disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:31-32 (NRSV)
As
I read the bible, I’m always struck by verses that are commonly heard in
conversation, but not necessarily attributed to the bible or Jesus.
I
have heard (and thought about) the “truth setting you free” because when you
are honest, it simplifies your life, as the truth stands alone, but lying
requires a great deal of work, and planning,
and leads to more lies and ultimately loss of trust and damaged
relationships, at the least.
But
it is important for me to remember that Jesus had a lot more in mind when he
spoke of “truth.”
Jesus
was telling me about himself as the “Truth,” that he can free me from the sins
that wear me down, if I’ll just try to know him and keep trying, even when it’s
hard.
Jesus
also wants me to know the truth of who I am.
That God made me and loved me so much that he sent Jesus to die for my
sins so that I could feel his grace.
Jesus
wants us to know that whatever we are suffering from -- bitterness, pain, sadness, guilt or anything
else that is holding us captive, he came to free us from that. With the Truth.
Melonye Suarez