John 14:15-17

“This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.” vs. 17

In order to comfort his disciples on the night before his death, Jesus assures them that they will not be alone, that he will send them the Spirit of truth. He goes on to tell them that the world cannot receive that Spirit of truth, and based on our experiences he was right. Now that we have access to multiple news feeds via social media, radio, and television, it’s simply stunning to observe how little importance is attached to telling the truth. Influencers and politicians seem to say whatever comes into their heads, and it bears little resemblance to what is actually happening. They say what they think their audience wants to hear.

And in this world of lies, the Spirit of truth is active in the lives of believers everywhere. Jesus said that the Spirit abides with us and is in us. Many of us know what that is like. There is within us a deep love for the truth and a sense of repugnance for lies. Every time we open our mouths we are conscious of that Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, steering our tongues toward the truth. Even when it is not to our benefit we find ourselves speaking deep truths, and offering loving affirmations. Almost against our wills we are molded into truth-tellers and trusting relationships are born and nurtured. 

Thought for the Day: Who do I trust to speak the truth?.