The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 8:31-36, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’
33 They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, “You will become free?”
34 Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of
sin.
35 ‘The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever.
36 ‘So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.’”

In these six verses of John’s Gospel, we discover two of the most important words that affect
all people of all times. The words are “truth” and “free.” Interestingly, truth is what we want
from others; free is what we want for ourselves. Both words, however, are inextricably
connected with the other. We are bound by sin, it is Truth that sets us free.

Those who insist upon twisting truth into lies are forever bound by truth’s absence. Lies are sins, and sins are links in the chain that binds us. Solomon said,

“Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips
of a fool consume him; the beginning of his talking is folly and the
end of it is wicked madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No man
knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after
him?” (Eccl. 10:12-14).

We all want to be free! We want others to tell us the truth, whatever the situation might be.
Yet, are we as free in sharing truth with others as we want them to be with us? Truth releases
us from the bonds of uncertainty. At the same time, there are specifics that are truths to be
told at specific times.

Yet, how are we to know when and to what extent a truth is to be told? If we are basically
honest, and know and trust the LORD, He will reveal to us when we are to speak and to what
extent we are to share with others the truth we know. We may feel under serious pressure in
such times, but the LORD always cares for His own. Just remember: If you always tell the truth, you will always be free!

There is no greater Truth than what we know and can share of our LORD Jesus Christ. Do
you share Him with others? His Truth will set them free!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom