On a social media feed the other day, I came across this quote:

‘I was considering how powerful Truth is, that it is not something intangible like a simple concept or idea. It has a real and substantial impact on people, as impactful as a hurricane or an earthquake. When spoken with pure motive and without corruption, especially when the love and kindness of the Holy Spirit prompts it, truth becomes like a sword. It can be used to break a person’s chains and set them free, but it can also bring great offense. Some prefer to remain slaves to a lie, and anything that challenges those lies is seen as dangerous or heretical. But regardless of the reaction of the person, there is always a reaction, making truth as real as when we are touched by sunlight, wind, or rain. Some people recognize the truth when they hear it, while for others, the realization that it is truth slowly dawns upon them, like a seed growing until one day it bears fruit. Truth is rarely simply disregarded without emotion. When the truth is rejected, it is often done in anger, which has the potential to turn violent. When the truth opposes doctrines inherit to a person’s particular religious belief, people often lash out using harsh words. They may mock or belittling the person speaking the truth as if they are ignorant or stupid. Or they may label the person as deceived or evil. Regardless of how truth is received or rejected, its impact is meaningful and reveals much about the state of a person’s heart. Do they desire the truth above their own comfort, or will they do whatever it takes to find some way to dismiss the very thing that could set them free.’¹

Amongst the comments to this post was one asking about how we determine the truth, given the conflicting messages and voices we hear.