If the Truth Sets You Free, Why Are Few People Truthful?
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John 8:32
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
A great scripture which many have referenced in their normal day-to-day language as they try to highlight the importance of the truth. To be honest, I think more focus or reference has been placed on the second part “…and the truth shall make you free.” with many focusing on the truth that they speak as what will set them free. While this may be liberating, this is not entirely what this verse refers to.
Although the context is always important when explaining a phrase that has been extracted, I will not refer to the background of John 8:32 however, I do want to emphasize that the first part of this verse is very very very important. It says, “And you shall know the truth…”. It is often assumed that truth is a one-way street and we imagine ourselves bravely uttering truths that challenge the status quo, liberating both ourselves and others. But that is only part of it….the easier part to be honest. Freedom comes not just from expressing truth, but also from embracing it, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Why are few people willing to speak the truth?
I have heard many people ask this question in frustration to the extent they get angry with other people e.g. friends when they find out that they were withholding their true thoughts. Truthful answers to simple everyday questions such as ‘How do I look?’ or ‘How does my food taste?’ should be easy to come by but as we all know, a flattering response is usually given instead of a truthful one. Now it’s easy to get angry with the other person for not being honest as such information can save you embarrassment if something is wrong with your dressing or cooking, but in some instances that anger is misplaced. When we look deeper into it, it is not that they were trying to sabotage you but rather, they were not confident in you ‘receiving the truth’ perhaps based on prior experiences where you either lashed out or were emotionally hurt when they spoke the truth.
Why is it hard to receive the truth
The Selective Hearing of Society
With the rapid growth of social media, society has conditioned us to seek affirmation rather than information. We gravitate towards validation of our pre-existing beliefs and biases, often at the expense of the truth. This selective hearing is a defence mechanism, a way to shield ourselves from the pain that the truth can evoke, but it can also hold back our social development.
The Discomfort of Truth
The truth can also be uncomfortable, challenging the very foundations upon which we build our lives. It can shatter illusions, expose vulnerabilities, and demand change. In the face of truth, we are often required to confront our misconceptions between reality and belief. This confrontation can be daunting, as it requires an openness to reassess and recalibrate our understanding of the world. It’s no wonder, then, that many may shy away from such a formidable task.
Conclusion
Indeed speaking truth is liberating but even greater freedom comes from receiving and embracing the truth. Receiving truth is an active process. It demands critical thinking, introspection, and, most importantly, a willingness to be wrong. To be set free by the truth, one must first have the courage to listen and the strength to accept it. This responsibility is significant, and not everyone is prepared to shoulder it. Once we show that we are comfortable with receiving the truth, more and more people will also be truthful when they speak to us.
