By the Way: True confessions

By Rev Dr. Nancy Cocks on June 28, 2025.

True confession. I watch a lot of mysteries on BritBox. Recently a character remarked: “The opposite of truth isn’t lies, it’s chaos.” That got me thinking about these rather chaotic times in world affairs.

It’s hard to know who’s telling the truth – or if leaders present their own “truth” to disguise self-interest and hidden agendas. How do we judge between competing “truths” when they challenge each other’s accuracy?

In scripture, the Greek word translated as “truth” is better translated “unconcealed” or “not hidden.”

I find this understanding of truth very helpful. What appears to be true from a narrow view on a subject or situation can be scrutinized, clarified and corrected when we see things from a wider perspective.

Adding more information, or understanding what happened from someone else’s point of view, expands what we know to be “true.”

When I hear about conflicts in the news, I always pause to consider whose voice or experience might add to, or challenge, what’s presented as “truth.”

Am I missing something? Am I being misled?

This Biblical understanding of truth as constantly widening my perspective helps me appreciate the words of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

Here, the Greek word “way” literally means “road”. I’m challenged to follow the road Jesus walked, widening my perspective on God’s purposes as Jesus greets people who had been defined as ‘unworthy’ and beyond God’s concern. Is my view too narrow?

Do I need to understand situations more compassionately, with more information or patience, as a disciple of Jesus or a citizen of Canada?

Jesus challenges us to reconsider our current understanding of any ‘truth’, to see what’s happening more fully and respond with hearts that can open.

On Canada Day, we will sing about “the true North”, strong and free. Consider how you judge what is true.

What perspectives could you add beyond what you know now to be sure everyone shares in the strength and freedom we cherish?

Rev Dr. Nancy Cocks is a retired Presbyterian Minister

15
-14