Love the Truth

These readings teach us not to live by appearances, rumors, or half-repentance, but by the truth of God received in obedience. Jehoram removed one idol, yet clung to other sins; this is the danger of a divided repentance. A man may cast down one image and still keep his heart for rebellion. In Daniel, kingdoms rage, profane things are set in the holy place, and the saints are pressed hard. In the apostle, the same trial appears again: deception grows, lawlessness works, and many are ruined not because truth was hidden from them, but because they would not love it.

Cyprian warns plainly: “They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them the working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Truth is not honored by speech alone. It must be loved more than gain, ease, reputation, and secret sin.

Yet in the midst of famine, debt, death, and public confusion, God still knows His servants. He fills empty vessels, multiplies the small offering, raises the dead child, and feeds many so that there is bread left over. Tertullian recalls the prophet’s word: “he said again, Give them, and they shall eat: for thus says the Lord, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof, according to the word of the Lord.” Therefore let us not be shaken. Let us cleanse the house thoroughly, hold fast the apostolic teaching, give what we have to those in need, and wait for the Lord with steadfast lives, not idle tongues.