Can You Handle Truth?

     "Have I become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"  These words from the book of Galatians (chapter 4 verse 16)  in the Bible voice a question we all have asked at some point in our relationships with one another. Most of us like to think we "tell the truth".  It is even an excuse we sometimes give for hurting someone's feelings.  We pat ourselves on the back by thinking,  "I just tell the truth".  It is interesting that we use this phrase as a way to end all criticism and place our self on what we think is high ground, above reproach.  But when someone says "the truth" to us or about us we feel hurt and terribly abused. 

     In reality we don't believe there is an objective, absolute truth.  We often use "truth" for selfish purposes, but when confronted with truth that doesn't conform to our preconceived ideas, or that crosses our desires, we reject it.  We claim to have truth on our side when is suits our purpose, but reject it when it would require us to make a change because we are not on the side of truth. 

     But truth, by its very definition, must be the same at all times and in all circumstances.  We think we can tell "white lies", or we "bend the truth a little".  But all that does is prove we cannot handle the truth.  Jesus Christ says He IS the truth, that means all that is true originates in Him.  He also says in  John 8:45:  "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."  In reality we are natural born liars.  If we really want to know what is true, if we really want to be on the side of truth, if we want to really be able to handle TRUTH;  then we have to humble ourselves to God. 

     The wonderful fact (truth) is that we can know truth, and it can indeed set us free.  But we must be willing to humbly ask and sincerely desire to bring self  into harmony with wherever Truth takes us.  We cannot pick and choose which part we will agree with.  It is an all or nothing proposition.  I cannot be a truthful person if I am half truthful and half liar.  I must yield myself totally to the One Who declares:  "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."  (John 14:6)

     No, you cannot handle the truth.  He must handle you.  Truth is greater than me, you, or any one person.  TRUTH must control and direct us totally.