Love Helps Us Face the Truth
By Rick Warren
"Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 (CEV)
When you believe a lie, you can’t make the changes you really need—which leads to self-defeat.
Maybe you’re believing a lie about what will make you happy, about what God is really like, or about what real success looks like. You may be believing a lie about yourself, or about your past or present circumstances.
The Bible says in 1 John 1:8, "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth" (NLT). This is the first step to change: You have to admit that there is a problem and that the problem is in you. When you blame others or refuse to accept the truth, you’re just fooling yourself—and establishing dangerous habits.
Personal change requires you to not only learn the truth about yourself but to also face it and take the steps necessary to move forward.
In fact, learning to face the truth about yourself is the most loving thing you can do for yourself, for others, and for God. Ephesians 4:15 says, "Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ” (CEV).
Do you want to grow? Do you want to change? Do you want a new life? Do you want a reset or a fresh start in some area of your life?
Look again to Ephesians 4:15: "Love should always make us tell the truth." If you love yourself, if you love God, if you love other people, then you need to face the truth about yourself.
So then the question becomes, what is the best source for finding truth? Consult your owner’s manual—your Bible. The only way you can learn your purpose in life is to know your Creator and read the Bible.
To overcome your weaknesses—whether they come from circumstances, your genes, your parents, or your choices—you need to face the truth about yourself.
And that truth is found in God's Word.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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