" THE TRUTH "

This week we are looking into " The Truth." Now Truth is defined in this manner: an agreement with fact or reality. A true or accepted statement or proposition. Now Matthew 5:33 says: " Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'DO NOT BREAK YOUR OATH, BUT FULFILL TO THE LORD THE VOWS YOU HAVE MADE.' In this verse, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of telling the truth. People were breaking promises and using sacred language casually and carelessly. The keeping of our oaths and promises is important; it builds trust and makes committed human relationships possible. The Bible condemns making vows or taking oaths casually, giving your word while knowing that you won't keep it, or swearing falsely in God's name (Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:1-2; Deuteronomy 19:16-20). Oaths are needed in certain situations only because we live in a sinful society that breeds distrust. Denying the Truth doesn't change it. I'm sure if we're honest we have all at some time in our lives, most likely when we were immature thought that " If I ignore it and maybe it will go away!" Denying the Truth never changes it; What God says always happens. Sin is never removed by denying its existence. We must confess to God that we have sinned and ask him to forgive us. Until Next Time... Jim,