By Warren David Horak

Love Rejoices In Truth

Anyone who truly loves the truth will eventually find the truth, no matter where they are.

We need to cultivate a deep love for truth within our lives to be set free from deception.

Those who believe in Jesus need to nurture our love for the Truth no matter how hard it is for us to accept it and obey it.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

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Introduction

In this powerful teaching on the facets of love, the importance of truth and love in the spiritual journey is deeply explored. Love rejoices in truth, and these two elements are inseparable in the walk with God. Embracing truth can set a person free and transform their life.

The Importance of Truth in Love:

The teaching begins by highlighting the significance of truth in the understanding of love:

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:4-6, NKJV).

One of the key facets of love is rejoicing in truth. This means celebrating and getting excited about God’s truth.

The Greek word for “rejoice” means to be well, to thrive, and even to salute. In contrast, love does not rejoice in iniquity, which refers to unrighteousness and injustice.

The Difference Between Facts and Truth:

A crucial distinction is made between facts and truth:

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32, NKJV).

Facts are the things seen on earth, while truth is higher than facts. Facts can be temporary circumstances, but truth is eternal and has the power to change facts. Believers are encouraged to focus on the truth of God’s Word rather than the facts of their current situation.

The Spirit of Truth:

The role of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth is emphasized:

"When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come" (John 16:13, NKJV).

The Holy Spirit dwells within believers and leads them into all truth.

This truth is not just information but a person—Jesus Christ.

Relying on the Holy Spirit for understanding and revelation of God’s Word is key.

The Importance of Loving Truth:

Loving truth is critical:

"And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:10, NKJV).

Not loving truth can lead to deception and ultimately, spiritual destruction.

Believers are urged to cultivate a deep love for truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

Facets of Love: Forgiveness and Loving Enemies:

Two challenging facets of love are forgiveness and loving enemies. These are not suggestions but commands from God:

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44, NKJV).

Obeying this command can set one free from fear and anger. Embracing these difficult aspects of love is essential, trusting that God will provide the grace to obey.

The Power of Truth in Spiritual Growth:

Loving truth leads to spiritual growth:

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6, NKJV).

Pursuing truth should be the primary quest, not for knowledge’s sake but to know God more intimately.

Studying God’s Word with the help of the Holy Spirit allows truth to transform lives.

Facets of Love: Speaking Truth in Love:

The importance of speaking truth in love is discussed:

"Speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" (Ephesians 4:15, NKJV).

Balancing truth with love is crucial, as speaking truth without love can be destructive. Cultivating both truth and love as primary spiritual weapons is encouraged.

The Role of Truth in Worship:

Truth plays a key role in worship:

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24, NKJV).

True worship must be grounded in both the Spirit and the truth of God’s Word.

It’s important to ensure that worship aligns with biblical truth.

The Transformative Power of Truth:

Embracing truth can transform lives:

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2, NKJV).

As the truth of God’s Word renews the mind, transformation into the image of Christ occurs.

This is a key aspect of walking in love.

We cannot walk in love with out truth. If we seek Truth without love we remain deceived and become religious. 

Facets of Love: Rejoicing in Truth Over Iniquity:

The importance of rejoicing in truth rather than iniquity is reiterated:

"Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6, NKJV).

Believers are encouraged to celebrate and embrace truth, even when it challenges their current beliefs or behaviors.

The Holy Spirit as Our Teacher:

The role of the Holy Spirit as a teacher is emphasized:

"The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26, NKJV).

Believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding and revelation of God’s Word, rather than solely on human wisdom or education.

Facets of Love: Not Envying or Parading Itself:

Other facets of love, such as humility and selflessness, are mentioned:

"Love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Corinthians 13:4, NKJV).

These qualities reflect the humility and selflessness that should characterize God’s love in a believer's life.

The Importance of Studying Love:

Believers are encouraged to study and learn about love:

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1, NKJV).

Love should be a primary focus of spiritual education, as many churches and schools neglect this crucial topic.

Facets of Love: Not Being Easily Provoked:

Another facet of love is discussed:

"Love... is not provoked" (1 Corinthians 13:5, NKJV).

This aspect of love requires self-control and patience, which are developed as believers grow in their understanding and practice of God’s love.

The Connection Between Love and Freedom:

Walking in love leads to freedom:

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13, NKJV).

Embracing the facets of love, including rejoicing in truth, leads to greater freedom in Christ.

Conclusion: 

This teaching on the facets of love emphasizes the crucial importance of truth and love in the spiritual journey.

Love rejoices in truth, and these two elements are inseparable in the walk with God. By embracing the truth of God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the way, believers can grow in love and experience the freedom Christ promises.

Cultivating a deep love for truth is essential, even when it challenges comfort.

The facets of love, such as forgiveness, loving enemies, longsuffering, and kindness, are not suggestions but commands from God.

As these facets of love are pursued and allowed to transform lives, believers become more like Christ and experience the fullness of God’s love.

Making love and truth the primary focus of spiritual growth leads to the discovery of the transformative power of God’s love, bringing freedom and joy in walking in His ways.

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