Transforming Conflict through Listening to the Holy Spirit: Truth

Listen:

“Teach me Thy way, O Lord, I will walk in Thy truth; unite my heart to fear Thy Name.” (Psalm 86 :11 KJV)

Reflect:

Barth and I have been part of the same church for 34 years. We have seen many elders come and go, usually with unresolved issues. I love my church, it is my family and we have no plans to leave. Last night the elders announced they would be resigning, including my daughter Sifra and son-in-law Walter. A long, difficult process made them come to this conclusion. It comforted me, that there was space to express thoughts and feelings. And there is also expectation of what God is up to!

My Dutch culture is one of: “I know the truth and I am right and I will let you know it.” Often not helpful…To find the truth is a searching and growing process. We need to have His Kingdom culture, and that’s why we need His teaching.

The Hebrew word for truth is “emeth”, which also means “steadfast, faithful and reliable”. The word “emeth” comes from the verb “aman”, which means “to cherish, confirm and support”.  Jesus is emeth, “the faithful and true witness” (Revelation 3:14).

If we want to walk in the truth, we have to know the Person who says: ‘I am the Truth’! We also need to read the Word, that speaks of truth.

I am so hopeful for my church, because Jesus Himself is the faithful, stable factor in it all and we recognize that. And we must let go of our personal truths and seek the Kingdom Truth.

One of my favorite songs is: Faithful One, So Unchanging He is THE permanent factor in the midst of change!

Prayer Response:

“Oh Lord, help us to be willing to seek Your truth. Make us people of truth AND grace, because just truth makes us cold of heart. We thank You for the community of Lifesprings where together we can learn to be shaped by Your perspective. Amen.” 

—Submitted by Mathilde Companjen
(Mathilde is a member of the Lifesprings International prayer team and lives with her husband Barth in the Netherlands. She is a missionary, trained nurse, teacher and speaks Dutch, English and some German, French, Greek and Albanian.)