We finished last term concluding that we cannot know Truth, or more importantly the One who is Truth, by our own efforts.
When we say that God is Truth, we are saying more than He is honest, or He has integrity. We are saying that He is perfect Truth in every way and that the Truth in very other situation is only to be found in relation to Him. So Truth is not just a set of doctrines or protocols but also a way of being. The concept of truth in the Scriptures often means “living in the right way”.
So, when Paul says,
“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.” [1]
Our English translation is a little deficient – what is meant here is “truthing in love” – or speaking and living the truth in a loving manner.
One of our many problems is that no human being is exempt from bias. Everyone of us is unable to see things completely truly. Our truth understanding is affected by our personal stories, our experiences, our knowledge, our political views… so many factors
Paul writes to Timothy and talks about people who have the appearance of Godliness but are tragically, “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” [2]
Paul continues in this letter to encourage Timothy and other readers, to be people who pay close attention to the Word of God, so that their understanding of Truth in God can be understood more clearly and truly.
So how does all of this inform some community values?
| VIRTUE | BIBLICAL BASIS | VALUES |
| TRUTH | “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
John 17:17 |
Integrity
Honesty Excellence |
Integrity seems obvious. The word means “whole” or “undivided”. It means consistent adherence to a standard of Truth. It means we hold to Truth publicly and privately.
Honesty, seems straightforward also, it partners Integrity. It means truthfulness and sincerity no matter what.
Excellence, may seem a little odd here. But it relates to our virtue of Truth. It means that we seek to live our lives to the highest possible standard to honour the One who is Truth. So we will strive for excellence in relationship, in engaging redemptively, in being trustworthy and True.
| Truth |  |
Integrity, Honesty, Excellence |
Knowing that God is Truth encourages the values of Integrity, Honesty and Excellence.
Blessings
[1] Ephesians 4:15
[2] 2 Timothy 3:7