Truth Sets Us Free
When we hear the phrase “The truth will set you free”, what exactly is the truth going to set us free from? From a biblical perspective a firm moral foundation sets us free from the repercussions of bad and unethical behavior. From a broader perspective what does that mean?
For one, it means we are set free from false perspectives, false narratives, and such. If we are stuck in a perspective, or a victim narrative for example that does not serve us, well being free from that falsehood will allow us to better thrive. In that sense the truth of what we are facing in that moment or of a past narrative that maybe we couldn’t see clearly or properly at the time can help us move forward and thrive in the present. An addict or someone suffering mental health issues may initially not accept that truth, will find excuses and others to blame, rather than admitting there is an issue and there needs to be a solution that needs to be embraced.
What about others who may see a truth about our situation or a relationship we are in that we don’t want to hear because we are so enthralled in that relationship, so when others try to tell us they see a number of red flags we find excuses for the person, or brush it off and ignore it, to our detriment. Sometimes it also becomes to the detriment of other relationships. I have had that happen where I didn’t want to hear truth about a toxic relationship and I have been on the receiving end of others not wanting to hear when I pointed out red flags or other things in their relationships. In the end the relationships with these people stood the test of time, but if I had listened I would have saved myself a lot of heartache and so would they have. I suppose it is human nature to not want to accept truth that others see when we are so enthralled in a relationship whether romantic or otherwise.
The truth embraced can also help us be set free from guilt, fear and such. There are times when we take on guilt that is not ours to take on or take it on permanently and never forgive ourselves or others. That then becomes a prison that forever enslaves us and we make bad choices based on that prison. When someone is in a toxic or negative relationship they will often be gaslit and take on a sense of guilt that it is their fault if the relationship is not working. They may take on a sense of not having done enough etc…when the issue is the other person’s narcissism and baggage. They may also have lots of emotions in relation to parents in the sense of not having been the ideal parent, but again if there were circumstances of trauma from the past that never got resolved , well the person did the best they could under those circumstances. At some point recognizing that and finding ways for all to heal and forgive is crucial. What about the child who grows up in a less than affirming or in a toxic household? As a child of divorce and not having had a very reaffirming household, often being put down by others I carried most of my life a sense feeling not worthy of love, not trusting men, and low self esteem, as well as later on a sense of guilt for having fibromyalgia and not being a great success, disappointing others. I have been letting go of that. One of the things that has helped is the fact that I have been getting such positive feedback regarding my songs and have started to see fruits of that labor. It shows me that all the put downs and my mom being told I would never amount to anything were wrong.
The truth can set us free in a number of ways including the ability to see our gifts, apply them and thrive through them as well as making a positive impact on the world.
Namaste.