A devotional is an in-depth Bible study. A typical devotional should take you anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to complete. Download and print a PDF version of this devotional for yourself, or use it with a friend to create an engaging discussion.
Opening Questions
- What is my relationship with the truth? Do I suppress, exchange, reject, or welcome truth?
- In what area of my life and relationships do I resist facing truth most?
- How has my attitude and response to truth affected others?
“There is a great deal that we should like to say about this high priesthood, but it is not easy to explain to you since you seem so slow to grasp spiritual truth. At a time when you should be teaching others, you need teachers yourselves to repeat to you the ABC of God’s Revelation to men. You have become people who need a milk diet and cannot face solid food! For anyone who continues to live on “milk” is obviously immature—he simply has not grown up. “Solid food” is only for the adult, that is, for the man who has developed by experience his power to discriminate between what is good and bad for him.
Hebrews 5:12-14 (Phillips)
- Truth is a beautiful thing when we see the transformative growth and change that results from embracing it in our lives.
- The spiritually mature have the courage and desire to face the truth about themselves and their lives, instead of running from it. They understand that God’s power moves most where truth lives (John 3:21).
1) What is my relationship with the truth?
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37 NIV
Our relationship with the truth reflects our relationship with God. We have to be willing to embrace and welcome the truth in order to listen to God.
Do I suppress the truth?
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness
Romans 1:18 NIV
Do I exchange the truth?
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Romans 1:25 NIV
Do I reject the truth?
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Romans 2:8 NIV
Do I welcome the truth?
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV
2) In what area of my life do I resist truth most? Why?
10 They say to those gifted with discernment and insight: “Stop with your visions. We’ve had enough of them.”
Isaiah 30:10, 12-13, 15 Voice
They say to the prophets, “Tell us only what we’d like to hear; save your truth-telling pessimism for someone else. We want to hear flattery.
12 But the Holy One of Israel says, Eternal One: Because you refused to accept this truth, My word and purpose, and trusted instead in deceit and manipulation, you will fall. 13 Your wrongdoing, your misplaced confidence and web of lies, will be your undoing. Like a breach in a wall that bulges out and suddenly gives way, your façade will come crashing down in an instant.
15 Listen! The Lord, the Eternal, the Holy One of Israel says, Eternal One: In returning and rest, you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will find strength. But you refused.
- Manipulation, misplaced confidence, and lies come from a heart that rejects truth.
- God wants to give us strength, but we will miss out on it if we resist hearing the truth.
3) How has my response to truth affected others?
So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth, for we all belong to one another. But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!
Ephesians 4:25-27 TPT
- Do you speak truthfully to others? What are the obstacles to being honest?
- What are the spiritual benefits of being honest?
- Living by emotions leads to instability, and anger. It also makes you vulnerable to unspiritual influences.
4) Embrace truth to become who God destined you to be
The seed that fell into good, fertile soil represents those lovers of truth who hear it deep within their hearts. They respond by clinging to the word, keeping it dear as they endure all things in faith. This is the seed that will one day bear much fruit in their lives.”
Luke 8:15 TPT
Here are a few decisions we can make to change our relationship with truth:
- Love truth: seek after listening to and asking for truthful input from spiritual friends in your life.
- Learn from truth: choose to learn rather than quit in the face of truth. Learn to rely on God through prayer and rely on friends through transparency.
- Respond to truth: Don’t just listen, but take decisive action to put the truth of Scriptures into practice in your life, relationships, and priorities.