Is it fact, or is it truth?
If you have had the pleasure of making my “humble” acquaintance (lol), you may be aware that I am a huge fan of graphic t-shirts. Many of which have been printed from my thoughts. One of my graphic tees asks a question. “Is it Fact or is it Truth?” Whenever I wear this shirt, I am inevitably stopped by some sharp-eyed individual who says, “there’s a difference?” Which could be viewed as a comment or a question. You bet your Grandma’s mac-n-cheese there’s a difference!
Merriam-Websters.com
FACT
“A thing done.”
TRUTH
“sincerity in action, character, and utterance.”
“in accordance or agreement with fact.”
The aforementioned definitions clearly state the differences between fact and truth. However, my t-shirt’s question does not reference the differences between the two meanings. If you believe in Christ, you may have already picked up on the difference between fact and truth that I am alluding to.
For a believer, the difference is this: fact is what I see or experience. Truth is what the word of God says. Better yet, the truth is Jesus.
John 14:6(NIV) “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Jesus/The Word (see John 1:1) is the truth, and truth trumps fact any day.
We just witnessed fact and truth within John 14:6. Although fact and truth co-exist, they often don’t agree. A few examples where fact and truth don’t always agree are:
Fact: my wallet has five dollars in it, and I have a bill due that’s fifty-five dollars.
Truth: Philippians 4:19 (ESV) “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Fact: I have three projects due on the same day. I have no ideas flowing for either project. I feel completely overwhelmed and paralyzed with fear.
Truth: Isaiah 41:10(LB) “Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Fact: My relative has a terminal illness that there is said to be no cure.
Truth: Psalm 41:3(ESV) “The Lord sustains him on his sick bed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”
John 8:32 (ESV) “And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. “
If you are not acquainted with the truth, I strongly encourage you to get to know, choose to believe, and put truth into action in your life. I have the privilege of encouraging women in our program to do this weekly. I don’t know about you, but freedom in every area of my life sounds excellent.
So, if you are sharp-eyed and notice my t-shirt concerning fact or truth, I hope this message is now abundantly clear. Truth trumps fact every time. The moral of this story: Live in the truth!
-Donna Moore
