John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
This passage of scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all truth, and although the Bible represents the truth in written form, yet truth must be taken personally. Whatsoever Christ uttered was truth, and whatsoever His followers utter should also be true. But we must understand that speaking the truth does not come naturally, for it is not inherent in our nature to deal truthfully. The tendency to utter falsehoods has been passed down from generation to generation, beginning with our first parents Adam and Eve.
After they had sinned, they were accosted by God and were questioned concerning what had recently taken place. The blame for what was done began to shift from person to person, in a vain attempt to avoid the truth, and because of this, all of us without exception, do not speak the truth naturally, for it is something we have to work on continually. Many people may speak the truth when it is easy to do so, or when it is convenient, but if their personal interests were to be placed in jeopardy as a result of speaking the truth, then the natural instinct of self preservation will kick in, and most people will choose an "Alternative" route.
This is what took place with Peter when he was abruptly questioned as to whether Jesus had been paying the temple tax. His response consisted of a falsehood, for he was offended by the sudden question, and sought to preserve Christ's reputation. But there is never a good, or even valid reason for lying of any sort, and by so doing, he inadvertently lowered the estimation of who Jesus really was, in the minds of His enemies, because Kings were exempt from paying such dues, and Christ is the King of kings. Let's read:
Matthew 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
As Christians we should ask God to cleanse us from all falsehood, so that if we were squeezed inside out and upside down, only the truth, and nothing but the truth will come out. The candid verification and statement of facts, without any artificial embellishments should characterize all we say or do, and wherever we see a deficiency in our characters upon this point, we should take it seriously, and go to God in prayer, that He may forgive us, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to be truthful, and if we ask, God will respond in the positive by giving us Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life. Let's read:
Psalm 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!