The Love of the Truth

The apostle Paul warns of the dangers of not receiving a “love for the truth.” He says some will perish “because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). It is important for us to love the truth of God’s word. It is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32). What does this have to do with encouragement? Good question. Let’s see if we can answer it.

I suppose there are different kinds of love for the truth. There are some who love the truth and bristle in anger at anything that appears to be or is, in fact, not the truth. However, in the absence of what is false, they do not appear to really love the truth. It’s almost as though they love the defense of the truth more than the truth itself. Now, don’t get me wrong. I do not at all mean that the defense of the truth is not important. It is vital. There are others who love to hear the truth, but are not interested in defending it. They are quite content to let everyone think what they want or even to claim to have a different truth. They know the real truth, but if someone else wants to think something else is true, that’s up to them. Then there are those who truly love the truth so as to be saved. They are passionate about the truth of God’s word and are constantly reading it, studying it and meditating upon it. They are passionate about its defense, but when there is no threat they revel in its precepts.

As I started writing these thoughts down I was trying to think of an illustration that would explain what I mean. It occurred to me that when we are speaking of a love for anything, a marriage relationship might have some value as an example. I love my wife and would defend her with my life. However, in the absence of a threat to her I still love her and do not spend my time on endless patrol away from her presence, making sure there is no threat. By the same token, I am not the least bit ambivalent about what others think about her. If you have something ugly to say about her, I would suggest you not say it, or at least not where I can hear you.

The love for the truth so as to be saved should be a passionate love for God’s word. It should be a relationship with the Scriptures and with God Himself about which you are passionate. If there is a threat to it, such is met decisively and without hesitation. If there is no threat, there should be a joyous relationship and reveling in the truth of God’s word.

Now, for the answer to the question I asked above. What has this to do with encouragement? In any kind of a struggle, one of the most discouraging things is the perception that you fight alone. However, when a faithful Christian finds himself in the fellowship and company of other faithful Christians who also love the truth so as to be saved, it is a most encouraging thing. Good friends, we are not in this fight alone. Of course, if we are faithful to Him, God is on our side and that is all we really need, but He is not all we have. Through His grace and wisdom He has given us a family; a fellowship of like-minded people who love the truth so as to be saved. And I want you to know when you are in the company of these fellow bond-servants of Jesus Christ, you cannot help but be encouraged if you will but think on these things.

After warning of what would happen to those who do not love the truth so as to be saved, look at what Paul had to say to those who do: But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation
through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15). Take those words to heart and know they are written and spoken of you, if you are faithful to our heavenly Father. Know that He loves you and so do I.