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What is Truth?

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‘Truth can be defined as ‘a quality or state of being true.’ Truth is that which is ‘true’ or in accordance with fact or reality. Sometimes it can be defined as a fact or belief that is accepted as true.

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Why is Truth important?

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Truth liberates us from falsehood and is essential for meaningful existence. Without the pursuit of truth, communication and actions lose their value, leading to a world where truth is irrelevant.

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Individual Level:

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Truth enables alignment of our intentions, thoughts, speech, and behaviour, fostering authenticity and personal growth.

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Relationship Level:

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Accepting lies erodes trust, making it impossible to build strong, lasting relationships.

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Advancements in Knowledge:

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Progress in science and technology relies on the pursuit of truth, as accurate knowledge in various fields is crucial for growth.

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Learning from History:

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Understanding history requires the ability to discern truth from falsehood.

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Exploring Religion:

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Questioning the origins and reliability of religious beliefs is necessary to avoid blind faith and choose our paths to truth.

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Justice System:

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A fair judicial system depends on seeking the truth behind convictions; without it, justice cannot be served, risking punishment of the innocent and freedom for the guilty.

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How can Truth help us?

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​Being truthful to ourselves and others significantly enhances our mental and spiritual well-being. It fosters self-respect, which leads to greater self-love and love for others, reducing feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Seeking truth is often seen as a path to God, as it improves our spiritual growth, relationships, and community justice. Aligning our thoughts, speech, and actions helps turn dreams into reality and encourages creativity. Though being truthful might cost us some friendships, it ensures the ones that remain are genuine.

 

How can Truth help others?

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Lies often lead to more lies, creating a cycle where new stories are fabricated to avoid telling the truth. This pattern results in the loss of personal happiness and peace, damages trusting relationships, and allows harmful actions to continue unchecked. When people believe it's acceptable to lie, they are more likely to engage in harmful behaviours, thinking they can avoid detection and punishment.

 

People often fear being truthful because they worry the truth might harm others, believing they are protecting them. This can lead to justifying lies under the guise of helping. However, consider the impact if someone discovers the truth about past actions—they may be upset, but discovering deceit and betrayal is far worse. Trust is shattered, and rebuilding it becomes difficult. Living with the guilt of deception is burdensome, making it hard to seek support in times of need. It’s a lonely existence to internally feel one thing while outwardly lying in speech and actions.

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How can we become more Truthful?

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Treating others as we wish to be treated guides us toward truthfulness. If we discovered a long-term partner had been unfaithful, it would deeply affect us. Habitual lying can lead to losing our sense of self and reality. However, there's hope for change by reflecting on who we want to be and making a promise to be truthful. This commitment helps prevent harmful actions and fosters positive, creative contributions to society. By ensuring our words and actions align with truth, we can break free from deceit and harmful habits, improving relationships and well-being. Keeping promises builds trust and success in life. Declaring the intent to always be truthful, whether publicly or privately, forms a covenant that must be upheld. Integrity is key, and acknowledging mistakes honestly is essential for genuine change.

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How can we seek Truth?​

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Step 1: Cultivate a Questioning Mindset

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Begin your journey by embracing curiosity. Ask questions not only of yourself but also of those around you. This practice encourages open dialogue and fosters an environment where truthfulness can thrive.

 

Step 2: Embrace Logic and Reason

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Utilize logic and reason as your guiding tools. When you encounter contradictions or uncertainties, delve deeper by asking more questions. This analytical approach will help clarify complex issues and lead you closer to the truth.

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Step 3: Uphold Integrity

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Always strive to speak the truth and maintain your integrity. Being honest in your pursuit of truth not only strengthens your character but also inspires others to do the same. Remember, the truth is often more powerful than the opinions of others.

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Step 4: Overcome the Fear of Judgment

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Do not let the fear of judgment deter you from seeking the truth. Understand that everyone has their own perspectives, and your quest for knowledge is valuable. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey.

 

Step 5: Respectfully Persevere

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Recognise that the pursuit of truth is a continuous process. Respectfully persevere through challenges and setbacks, knowing that the act of seeking truth is beneficial in itself, regardless of the outcome.

 

Step 6: Engage with Diverse Sources

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Expand your understanding by reading a variety of sources. Question the information you encounter and apply reasoning to assess its validity. This broadens your perspective and enhances your critical thinking skills.

 

Step 7: Research Context and History

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When conducting research, consider the context and historical background of the information. Understanding the circumstances surrounding a topic can provide deeper insights and help you discern truth from misinformation.

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Step 8: Learn from Media

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Watch films and television shows critically. Reflect on the actions and words of characters, and consider the underlying messages. This can provide valuable lessons about human behavior and societal truths.

 

Step 9: Listen and Develop Judgment Skills

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Practice active listening when engaging with others. This skill will help you gather different viewpoints and develop your judgment skills, enabling you to better discern truth from falsehood.

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Step 10: Reflect on Your Learning

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Take time to reflect on what you hear and learn. This reflection is crucial for distinguishing truth from falsehood and solidifying your understanding of complex issues.

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Conclusion

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By following these steps, you can embark on a transformative journey toward truth. Remember, the pursuit of truth not only enriches your own life but also positively impacts those around you.

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Scripture quotes on Truth

 

'Distance yourselves from words of falsehood.' Torah

 

'Thou shalt not bear false witness.'Torah

 

'The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous endures forever.' Psalm 119:160

 

'Sanctify them in the Truth. Your Word is Truth.' John 17:17

 

'The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in Truth.' Psalm 145:18

 

'God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.' John 4:24

 

'Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in Truth.' John 3:18

 

'And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.' John 8:32

 

'Lead me in you Truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.' Psalm 25:5

 

'And do not mix Truth with falsehood or conceal the Truth while you know (it).' Quran 2:42

 

'The patient, the True, the obedient, those who spend (in the way of God), and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.' Quran 3:17

 

'And whoever obeys God and the Messenger- those will be with the ones upon whom God has bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of Truth, the Martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.' Quran 4:69

 

'O you who have believed; be careful of your duty to God and be with the Truthful.' Quran 9:119

 

'…and avoid false statement.' Quran 22:30

 

'Among the believers are men who were True to their covenant with God; some of them have fulfilled their vow by death, and some are still awaiting, and they have not changed in the least;' Quran 33:23

 

'And who does greater evil than he who lies against God and cries lies to the very Truth, when it comes to him?...' Quran 39:32

 

'And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it- such are men who do right.' Quran 39:33

 

'So high (above all) is God, the Sovereign, the Truth……and say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”' Quran 20:114

 

'And do not argue on behalf of those who deceive themselves. Indeed, God loves not one who is a habitually sinful deceiver..' Quran 4:107