Everyone in this world, irrespective of who they are, expect truth to be told. Nobody likes to be cheated and manipulated. The original meaning of the word “truth” in Greek is called aletheia. It refers to “divine revelation” and is related to a word that literally means “what can’t be hidden.” It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see, with nothing hidden or obscured. The Hebrew word for “truth” is emeth, which means “firmness,” “constancy” and “duration.” Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon. And from a philosophical perspective, there are three simple ways to define truth:
1. Truth is that which corresponds to reality.
2. Truth is that which matches its object.
3. Truth is simply telling it like it is.
However, the most casualty endured over the ages is Truth. Truth is the most suppressed, persecuted and abused element in the planet earth. People of all ages have trampled and manipulated some or most portions of the truth leaving it voiceless. Every virtue, like honesty, justice, authenticity, fairness exists only with the support of Truth and with the absence of truth everything is meaningless including life. When closely observed, among all the creatures, we humans depend on truth for our existence. Family, society and nation is at war with the presence of half-truth or the loss of complete truth. Fyoder Dostoevsky warns with these words, "above all do not lie to yourself. The one who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, and so loses all respects for himself and for others. And having no respect ceases to love.
Asking the colour of truth may look absurd and foolish. It sounds like someone is asking for the taste of the colour blue. We all wish truth could be tangible. But then what is truth? I think before knowing what truth is, we should first know what it is not.
Truth is not simply whatever works. In reality, lies can appear to “work,” but they are still lies and not the truth.
Truth is not what makes people feel good. Unfortunately, bad news can be true.
Truth is not what the majority says is true. Fifty-one percent of a group can reach a wrong conclusion.
Truth is not defined by what is intended. Good intentions can still be wrong.
Truth is not simply what is believed. A lie believed is still a lie.
Truth is not what is publicly proved always.
Most people including leaders, icons and philosophers tried to define truth to its closest meaning. But no one in history of human existence could claim to be the truth like Jesus did. He had an audacity to claim with these words. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”. All who existed before and after provided comfort with life philosophy but died like any one of us but the only difference was they were icons. But then this man Jesus was not an ordinary person but God Himself because He was the only one who was resurrected after His death, therefore His claim on truth matters. If we want to know the colour of truth and live the truth you need to know the one who claimed to be the truth, i.e. Jesus Christ. His sacrifice and call to believe and accept Him in one’s heart transforms a person completely. You begin knowing the truth and living the truth as well.
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