loving the truth

In our hallway hangs a painting of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair (Lk 7:36-48). It is an awesome reminder of His grace for us. Today the Lord spoke concerning this event in His life; “If I didn’t love the truth, you wouldn’t have this story.” What a remarkable statement . . . and what does truth have to do with it?

Reviewing this story, the Lord spoke again; “The truth does not offend Me. It just makes Me care all the more deeply.” In this story we see the true nature of two people. Simon, the Pharisee who invited Jesus to eat at his house, and the lady of ill repute. Simon complained about this woman. One of the things Jesus pointed out was, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.” The truth was, Simon was critical of someone who loved Jesus, and the one who loved more than Simon, was forgiven by the One Who forgives our sins.

Because of Simon’s complaint, this matter was spoken of by Jesus. He was not offended about the truth concerning either of the people involved. Jesus loved Simon enough to point out that his own love was shallow. This was because Simon did not recognize his need for forgiveness. So Jesus showed Simon his lack to bring him to that place where he could repent and be restored to God. The woman of ill repute did not offend Jesus because she humbly placed herself in a vulnerable place before those who would judge her, all to adore her Savior.

There was another person who sinned, and at a time when Jesus needed His disciples the most; Peter. Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed, and that He also had prayed for him so that his faith would not fail (Lk 22:31-34). Here we see Jesus caring, though He knew the truth about Peter’s eventual denial. And that is the gem to take home with us about truth. When we let truth cause us to care and love more deeply, we can love the truth and not be offended (1 Cor 13:6). But if the truth causes us to be offended, God’s work through us will be stopped. Any restoration we could bring to our brother by word or prayer will not take place. Let us truly love the truth today, no matter what it may be, for the Lord is at work in us to love, and care for others. Amen.