TRUTH AND LOVE

Truth an love are frequently discussed in our world but seldom practiced.

From politicians to marketeers, people conveniently ignore or conceal facts and use words to enhance positions or sell products.

Perjury is common, and integrity and credibility are endangered species. Words, twisted in meaning and torn from context, have become mere tools for ego building. It is, therefore, not surprising that we have to "swear" to tell the truth.

And what about love?

Our world is filled with its words: popular songs, greeting cards, media counselors, and romantic novels shower us with notions and dreams of exquisite, idyllic relationships and feelings. Real love, however is scarce - selfless giving, caring, sharing, and even dying. We desire to love and be loved, but we see few living examples of real love.

The apostle Paul had seen Truth and Love firsthand - he had been with Jesus. He was so affected that all his writings are filled with this theme. Truth and Love are vital to the Christian and are inseparable in the Christian life. Christ is the antithesis of society's prevailing values, that is, falsehood and self-centeredness - for He is Truth and Love in person.

John emphasizes the necessity to live in the truth and obey God, to watch out for deceivers, and to love God and each other. Second John will take just a few minutes to read, but its message should last a lifetime.