Love of the Truth
by Terry Wane Benton
Everyone does not want to hear God’s word. Jesus lets each person determine their destiny and therefore lets each person pick his own interest in truth or error. He did not waste time “casting pearls before swine” (Matt.7:6). When a person reveals that they have no inclination to hear the truth of God’s word, it is useless to keep putting the truth before them. They will only “trample” the pearls of truth underfoot, turning again and reviling you.
Facebook is an interesting arrangement. People can ignore what you present and move on to things that interest them, or they can choose to read what you present and respond. Occasionally, someone will “turn again and rend you” rather than ignore and move on. They also have the option to block or unfriend you if they really hate the light you are sharing. Jesus said some will hate the light (John 3:19ff). Jesus had many who hated Him because “men loved darkness rather than light.”
Telling God’s truth can separate truth lovers from truth haters. Jesus kept telling the truth and let people determine their own appreciation for it. He did not stop speaking truth to appease the truth haters, but He let them decide if they would come to hear what He said. Likewise, on Facebook, we must continue to hold up the truth, even though it may cause some to unfriend us, ignore us, or speak evil of us. That is their choice and their prerogative.
We can only offer the truth. Some will be more noble-minded and “search the scriptures whether these things are so” (Acts 17:11). The Bereans were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica. Apparently, there were many prejudiced, tradition-bound people who were not lovers of truth in that area. They loved their traditions and did not want truth rocking their boat. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and commented about people who are condemned “because they received not the love of the truth” (II Thessalonians 2:13), but those who continue in Jesus’ word will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:30-31). Truth is God’s means of sanctifying (John 17:17), separating out the saved from the lost.
Be sure you are among those who love the truth! Eternity depends on your love of the truth.
