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The title above appears in 2 John 2: “for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever”
John addressed this brief letter to one whom he and others loved “for the truth’s sake.” This is a powerful and compelling statement because it describes one of the strongest possible motivations—to do what we do for the sake of Truth. Notice some applications of this principle:
- In our love for others. This was John’s application in the context. He said that he and others loved the “elect lady and her children” not because they were rich, famous, or even physically attractive, but because of the Truth which abode in them—because they loved the Truth. There should be (and generally is) a special bond of love between brethren who have a genuine love for the Truth. This being so, it is normal for those who deeply love the Truth to feel less than a strong attachment (while never wishing harm) toward those who do not love the Truth (whether or not they are brethren). We ought to love all others, but especially those who love the Truth.
- In our daily lives. Do we go about our daily tasks for the Truth’s sake? We ought to. All that we do or say is to be done in the name (by the authority) of Christ (Col. 3:17), thus, for the sake of Truth. Further, all that we do is to be done to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). Further still, our very bodies are to be presented to God as living sacrifices, not molded by the world, but by the Word (Rom. 12:1–2). These and many other Scriptures teach us to live daily for the greatest cause—the Truth’s sake.
- In our service. There are many good reasons why we should serve Christ and our fellow men, among them, for the sake of Truth. God’s Word teaches us to be servants (Mat. 4:10; Mark 10:43–45). Also, we must be willing to serve for the sake of advancing the Truth in this wicked world.
- In our giving. Christians who genuinely love the Truth cannot be stingy and selfish with their money. The Macedonians gave “beyond their power” for the Truth’s sake (1 Cor. 8:1–5). Because we want all men to hear the Truth we will give bountifully, purposefully, and cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:6–7).
- In our willingness to suffer. Perhaps this is the truest test of one’s love for anything or anyone. We are daily to bear our suffering for the sake of the Lord and his Truth (Luke 9:23).
Woe unto that preacher, those elders, yea, anyone who is ashamed of the Truth and compromises to avoid suffering for its sake (1 Pet. 4:12–16)! We are called upon to die for the Truth (Rev. 2:10).
[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in The Edifier, weekly bulletin of Pearl Street Church of Christ, Denton, TX, January 8, 1987, of which I was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
