“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate 
of righteousness in place“

Ephesians 6:14 

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November 4, 2025 

Truth has become a misunderstood concept in Western culture. Phrases like, “My truth” and “Your truth” mean something very different than what we would term “absolute truth.” It is telling that today we use a modifier like “absolute” to specify what truth we are talking about. Truth is true for all people, for all time, in all places.  

Truth is exclusive, meaning that if one thing is true, then other alternatives cannot be true. For example, if the Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, one with the Father who is the Creator and Sustainer of all—then other gods cannot be. And while scientific truth is based upon physical observation and verifiable experimentation, spiritual truth cannot be scientifically proven—yet we hold it is true in its own sense. 

Spiritual truth is a double-edged sword. We know that we are forgiven of our sin because of the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, but we also know the depth of our brokenness and sin. We look forward to eternity in heaven, but we are unsettled by the sin and suffering that pervades the world and harms the most vulnerable here and now. We are grateful that the living God has chosen to extend His grace to each of us, but we are sobered by how much it cost Him to do so.  

This kind of truth requires a response. It is not theoretical knowledge but life and death. People need to hear this truth, but in a way that reveals its transformative power. People need to see this truth in us lived out before them in real time.  

Transformation is not something we achieve. It is the gradual work of God in our inner selves that changes us from the inside out. We grow in compassion. How could this be manifested? A place to begin is to pray for our acquaintances and neighbors by name that they might come to see and believe the truth of the gospel. The next step is to intentionally develop a relationship with them by spending time together and doing good to them. Listen to their story and then tell them yours. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • If the gospel is true, how can this confidence give boldness in sharing our spiritual stories?  
  • Pray for your neighbors that the truth of the gospel might become evident to them. Is there a neighbor or an acquaintance that you could invite into your home to deepen the relationship with them?  
  • Are you ready to share your spiritual story?  

 Church Reading Plan: 2 Kings 17; Titus 3