In my “Freedom” post I mentioned TRUTH, and its importance in understanding the meaning of life, the purpose of our existence, and that our happiness depended on it. That was an understatement, and I need to expand this topic.

So, what is truth? how do we know that it is truth? where can we look for it? and how do we try to live it? These are very good and important questions, and I do not profess to have all the answers, but I do know that if I am going to try to achieve this goal I need to search, discern, make judgements, and corrections, but most importantly be sincere and admit when I am wrong.

I believe that TRUTH is so essential that without it, we will never find happiness. No one can live a lie, not for too long anyway. Sooner or later circumstances arise and expose it, and the consequences are many but none ever lead to happiness. Who would consciously want to live a lie?

But, because of our human weakness, a life lived in pursuit of truth is one that continuously goes against the grain. It will be full of struggles, and difficulties, but at the same time so much peace of heart and mind.

To live truth, justice and mercy are indispensable. Justice will always demand reparation, and mercy will demand forgiveness. They are the actions of love.

Take loyalty in relationships as an example. Whether it is marriage, friendship, or family, human weakness will invariably lead to some form of failure, be it small or big. Those involved will deny the reality of the situation, blame others and defend their position, or worse, walk away and not face up to it. I think that is a consequence of pride, shame, or fear but there could be a myriad of other reasons. The truth will probably not be one sided.

However, if the truth is accepted, despite the pain in one’s pride, all could admit their fault and apologise. The apology is necessary to allow forgiveness. Forgiveness in turn may require some form of reparation. The result would be a stronger and a happier relationship. The alternative is rather sad.

TRUTH is reality, in other words, it is the way things really are. It is not what one may choose it to be. It is the same for all people. It does not bend or change because of opinions, or prejudices, it is never relative, it cannot be democratically selected or imposed, it is not dependent on skin colour, or social status, in fact it never changes to suit anyone. Truth is truth, and a lie is a lie. What was true yesterday, is today, and will be tomorrow.

More often than not, truth is not always obvious because we in this world choose not to look for it. We prefer the easy paths that justify and defend our prejudices, hide our mistakes, and look for personal gains.

That is not a reason to despair, because it is worth the effort. It is the only source for peace of mind and heart, and that is necessary for happiness.

There have been many books written, and postings on the internet regarding finding and living in truth. I do not think that is the best place to look for it, because most are personal opinions or interpretations with all the flaws of human nature. Ultimately, I believe you will have to go to the author of truth and life, and that is God.

Before one chooses to do that, one will need to face an unavoidable question, and that is: If I accept God as the author of truth and life, then am I prepared to live by all the truths that encompass that decision?

Without doubt embracing truth will mean embracing a change in one’s life and that is never easy, and there will be many barriers that will complicate your life.

However, I repeat, it is worth the effort, it is worthwhile. It takes courage and conviction, but the reward is happiness.

As I always say, one’s decision should never be about changing others. The commitment is yours and for yourself, yet invariably it will rub off onto others because it is a good, and good is always attractive.

I found that the consequence of the truth in any situation is always the greatest good for all as viewed from all the perspectives, even if it means loss or hardship to any or all involved.

If one considers the highly controversial topic of abortion for example, and try to see where is the truth in that issue, you may better understand what I am trying to express.

If an abortion is being considered, then I would assume that some, if not the majority, of those who are involved see a good for them, be it avoiding hardship, shame, loss of independence, and the list can go on, but there may be still a doubt.

So, to justify the action, the argument then shifts to the circumstance that caused the pregnancy, or classifying the fetus or baby as not a person and therefore has no rights while the decision maker has all the rights.

The real question is: What has all of this got to do with the TRUTH. The truth that is sought is “Is it right for the defenseless to be killed”. As I said, truth never bends to suit or justify anything. What is wrong will always be wrong and what is right will always be right, immaterial from which perspective it is viewed.

Put yourself in the shoes of each of those involved and then voice what is the greatest good for you. What will the fetus or baby say?

I believe that under no circumstance can it be right for the defenseless to be killed.

Immaterial of how difficult it is, going against the truth is living a lie, and the burden is never light and will never go away until it is corrected through justice and mercy.

Truth touches every part of life, and I am not suggesting that one has to scrutinize every step or decision one makes. In reality, big issues do not appear every day, and with time, experience will provide framework to asses situations.  Certainly, when one is considering moral issues, or is in doubt, it is important to stop, think, discern, consult, then take a stand or act if necessary, according to the truth, with sincerity.

We are not perfect. We will all make mistakes, and when that happens, we need to be humble enough to admit, apologize, and correct.

It is also important to be aware that truth always unites, and the alternative is always very divisive. Unity is the source of peace of mind and heart which is essential for happiness. The alternative unfortunately is what presides in the world today.

I look forward to the conversation.