“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NIV)
Last time we talked about the book, Terror By Night, by Terry Caffey and I encouraged you to read it for yourself. I was watching the news one morning and saw a preview for the Dr. Phil show where he was going to be interviewing the daughter of Mr. Caffey as well as Mr. Caffey himself. Having read the book, I was intrigued and wanted to see what Dr. Phil would discover.
During the show, Dr. Phil was adamant when talking with Erin, Mr. Caffey’s daughter, that in order for her to find healing, freedom, and peace, she needed to first be honest with herself and with her father about what exactly happened the night her family was killed. Dr. Phil kept referring to the fact that Mr. Caffey had forgiven his daughter, but posed the question of was it real forgiveness if what she was admitting to was a lie?
I couldn’t stop thinking about that concept. Isn’t that how it is with our lives? Whatever the issue may be – finances, healthy lifestyle, anger issues, career – until we’re honest with ourselves about everything pertaining to the area we’re struggling with, we won’t find healing, freedom, or peace.
Just like Dr. Phil continued to gently, but firmly address this issue with Erin, God loves us so much more He gently but firmly continues to work with us on the areas we need to change. He sees the bigger picture. He sees what we can have and knows what’s best for us. He wants us to walk in freedom, healing, and ultimately peace that can only be obtained from being honest.
I’m so glad I’m the child of a Father who loves me with that kind of love. I’m not a stranger to Him – no, I’m part of His family. Just as Dr. Phil showed genuine compassion for the young adult sitting in front of him, God has even greater compassion for each of us. He reaches out and guides us gently because He loves us. There is no greater motivator to help another than genuine love.
It’s so true. Honesty about our failures, mistakes, and shortcomings is the first step toward complete healing, freedom, and ultimately, peace. The road may be long as you work on overcoming, but you can’t even start the process without first being honest about where you are. God isn’t waiting to judge our failures. No, He just wants us to stop denying or downplaying the issue and start looking at ways He can help us heal.
I’m ready to take that first step in certain areas of my life. What about you? Are you ready to walk with me toward real freedom? I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of living in the land of denial.
© Cheri Swalwell 2014