by Debbie Wicker BCCC
Finding Truth: The Struggle to See Clearly
We often see the truth in others very clearly:
- He drinks too much.
- She always chooses the wrong man.
- He needs to get off the couch and get a job.
But when it comes to truth about ourselves, we are often blind.
Jesus addresses this very human tendency:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
(Matthew 7:3–5)
Jesus Calls Us to Face the Truth
Jesus exposes our nature: we focus on the faults of others, while ignoring the faults within ourselves. As a mental health counselor, I see this every day. People become captives to lies—often lies they tell themselves. Instead of taking personal responsibility, they blame others and refuse to change.
Finding Truth: A Real-Life Example
I know a couple who have been married for decades but haven’t spoken to each other in over twenty years. They live in the same house, yet their lives are filled with hatred and misery.
Why?
The wife believes her husband is lazy, irresponsible, and unintelligent. None of these things are actually true. But because she demands complete control over their finances and schedule, and he sometimes disagrees, she despises him.
The lie she believes—that her husband is the problem—has destroyed both of their lives. She refuses to examine her own heart or acknowledge how her need for control and anger have poisoned their relationship. This is what happens when we reject truth and cling to bitterness.
Jesus Is the Truth
Jesus teaches us something profound:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.”
(John 14:6–7)
This verse is familiar to many of us, but it holds a deep challenge: to continually seek Jesus—and through Him, to seek truth.
Living in Truth, Not Bitterness
When we live in lies, our hearts become filled with anger, frustration, and despair. But when we invite Jesus into our hearts and ask Him to reveal the truth about our lives, healing can begin.
Jesus is kind. He reveals truth gently and patiently. He doesn’t overwhelm us, but slowly shows us what we need to see—if we are willing to look.
The Power of Truth to Transform
If you’re living a life filled with resentment, anger, or hopelessness, ask yourself this question: What truth am I avoiding?
Most people wait for others to change before they’re willing to take any steps themselves. But Jesus calls us to something higher. He calls us to:
- Examine our own hearts.
- Remove the plank from our own eyes.
- Change our own actions—no matter what others have done to us.
When we do this, transformation begins. Joy becomes possible. And we begin to live well in a fallen and sinful world—not by denying the pain, but by embracing truth through the One who is truth.
🌍 Living Well in a Fallen and Evil World
Even in a world marked by sin, suffering, and brokenness, God calls us to live with faith, purpose, and love. Discover how biblical truth, delayed gratification, and spiritual resilience can help you thrive in the midst of life’s trials.
👉 Read More »
About the Author
Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.
Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.