“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 NIV

People are emotional beings that are moved by feelings more than facts or actual truth. We find it easy to make decisions based on our mood or emotions. If it feels good, if it helps raise our level of satisfaction, or if it provides an escape from what hurts, it’s easy for us to be in favor of it. We do the same when it comes to relationships, we don’t care what kind of baggage someone may be carrying when we’re memorized by how their smile makes us feel.

It takes some disciple to look beyond feelings to recognize the truth. It doesn’t matter what the situation may be — social, professional, family, whatever — getting to the not-so-obvious truth is where you’ll find freedom from failing for bad outcomes. When Jesus said, “know the truth and be free” He means you will be free from the temptation of following what’s false, deceptive, or meant to cause us harm.

Knowing the truth means you have to want the truth, you have to be intentional about looking for the truth, and once you find it you are free from getting sucked into the delusion that a scammer, a questionable character, or the devil himself may be throwing at you.