30 September | Teens
«Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. …And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” » John 8: 31,32
The truth is something very powerful. Jesus said, “They will know the truth, and the truth will set them free.” But what does that really mean? Let’s go a little deeper in this devotional, okay? Truth is not just about telling true, correct facts; it's also about being honest in all situations, including not omitting important information.
Sometimes you might think that omitting part of the truth isn't as bad as lying. But in reality, omitting is also a form of lying. For example, if you break a vase at home and your mother asks you who did it, and you say, “I don't know” (when you do know), that's the same as lying. Being truthful means being completely honest, even when it's difficult.
Jesus wants us to be honest people, because truth brings freedom. When we are truthful, we don't have to worry about keeping false stories or hiding things. Truth gives us peace of mind and builds trust with others. Most importantly, being truthful brings us closer to God, who is the source of all truth.
Take Action
To practice telling the truth, set yourself a one-day challenge: try to go the whole day without telling any lies, not even small ones. If you find yourself about to omit something or tell a “little lie,” stop and choose the truth. At the end of the day, reflect on how it felt to be completely truthful.