"Because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me."
The implication here is that we might believe someone who tells us a lie.
The accusation is that we fail to believe the one who tells us the truth.
What are the lies, which upon being heard, find a root in our beliefs? Perhaps that alcohol will make us more social; or being critical of others makes us look stronger; or hating those who are different from us is the way to security?
How often do we fail to believe the truth, even when it is repeated - that our worth is not measured by the things we have; that true love shows itself in service; that forgiveness is the way to be set free from hatred.
I was listening to a seminary professor last week who said that among God's people we are allowed to believe what the world would not allow us to believe. I think of the truths which say to us that happiness comes by seeking ways to make others feel joy; or that being popular begins with being aware of those who live along the edges and even in the shadows. I am aware of the pressure not to believe that God has accepted us and loves us - regardless of how much we might accept and love God. God loves us so that we might change; God does change us so that we might be lovable.
Too often we believe the lies; we reject the truth. Truth telling is very difficult. Even recognizing the truth is a challenge. What are the lies you will hear today? Will you believe them? How open will you remain to the truth? The truth is such good news that it at times seems unbelievable. But believing it is the way to that joy and peace which can never be taken from us.
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