Discerning The Truth

When we seek information of utmost importance—whether for credibility or certainty—we naturally turn to the most reputable sources. A trustworthy source instills confidence and nurtures our trust.

For us as believers, the ultimate source of absolute truth is the Word of God. He does not lie or deceive. There are no cover-ups, no gimmicks. His Word simply is—unchanging, true, and eternal. This truth endures through seasons, emotions, hardships, and the passage of time itself.

I have had words spoken over me that did not withstand the storms of life—words that faded, even perished, with the person who spoke them. But we serve a God whose words are as everlasting as He is. His promises have always stood the test of time. We see this in the story of Israel—how God promised Abraham, a man with no heir, that he would become the father of a great nation. Because of God’s word, Abraham had Isaac, Isaac had Jacob, and Jacob became the father of Israel. Even as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lay in their graves, the promise lived on.

This confirms that when considering truth, both reputation and history are important.

The Gift of Discernment

Discernment, simply put, is the ability to judge well. In a Christian context, it takes on an even deeper meaning—it is the process of understanding God’s will in a situation, distinguishing between truth and error, right and wrong. We gain insight into discernment through Scripture:

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” — Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

Or in Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV):

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.”

Discernment is not just about making wise choices—it is about knowing God more deeply.

Knowing Truth to Discern Lies

To discern truth, we must first know truth. And to know truth is to know God, for He is truth. The truth we are called to live by is rooted in the very essence of God— His heart, His will and His character. When we stand firm in His truth, we can resist the lies and deceptions that attempt to shake our faith daily.

Lies tell us that God’s love is only for the “deserving,” but truth declares His love is unconditional. Lies deceive us into believing that salvation is earned through works, but truth reminds us that salvation is by grace through faith—the free gift of God, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Lies whisper that we are abandoned, forsaken, and forgotten. But God’s truth declares:

“I will be with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” — Isaiah 43:2  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5"

Truth reassures us that the presence of trouble is not the absence of God. It does not seek to discredit His nature—deception does. We see this pattern from the very beginning in Genesis 3:1: “Did God really say?” and again in Matthew 4: “If You are the Son of God, then…”

Many of us struggle with deception, insecurity, shame, and the weight of our past simply because we do not know what God has spoken over us or struggle to receive it. But to trust words is to trust the source of those words.

Whose report will you believe?

The enemy’s voice can be loud, but God is calling us to a greater truth—one that breaks the chains of our past and lead us into freedom.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32

Not bound. Not ashamed. No confused. Not condemned. But free!

A Profound Reminder

Recently, a passage from Scripture resonated deeply with me:

In Matthew 22:29-32, the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a question. But Jesus exposed their ignorance with a powerful truth:

“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” — Matthew 22:29

This response of scripture serves as a reminder: ignorance of God’s Word leads to confusion, but knowing His truth brings clarity and wisdom. Not only that, it also teaches us the power of God.

The lack there of leads us astray and makes us vulnerable to deception.

A Call to Reflection

• What truth do you need to cling to in this season?

• In what areas of you life has deception take taken root? What has truth spoken declared concerning it?

• How can you commit to filling your heart with more of God's truth?

  
  

Truth is not just a concept—it is a person. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). If we seek Him, we will find the wisdom and clarity we need to walk in the light of His truth.

With Love,

Jhenelle Morgan