We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 NIV
Last night my wife and I watched the State of the Union address by our President. Many have stopped watching or listening to politics because of the divisiveness and the lack of knowing what is really true.
Some things for the Christian are clear. We are to pray and bless those in authority over us regardless if we agree with them or whether they are ruling righteously. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1
Before anyone is saved the Bible declares that the devil has placed blinders over our eyes. 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Notice that these blinders keep a person from seeing the reality of who Jesus really is. One of the prayers for our lost friends and relatives is for God to remove the blinders the devil has placed over their eyes. That is another topic, but I encourage you to spend time asking God to reveal the blockages from seeing the truth of Jesus.
The last verse was from the apostle Paul, our verse today is from John and both are saying the same thing. John says the one born of God has those blinders removed and has been given “understanding” to know the truth found in Jesus.
In greek (dianoian) understanding is a compound word. Dia means to cover the issue completely from side to side. Noiéō, to use the mind. It means to be able to weigh the issues from one end to the other and come up with a balanced solution. In light of all the knowledge that you have, you know what is really true. All fogginess of thinking has been cleared away to see and know Jesus intimately.
Am I? I AM blessed with understanding to know Jesus is alive, real, the Son of God, the Messiah, the one who gives me eternal life, my Savior. May you receive the blessing of being able to make balanced decisions today. May you receive Jesus’ gift to help you use your mind (understand) to hear the voice of the Spirit and make wise decisions leading to the truth. The truth will set you free.
For those who have struggled making decisions, may you receive the peace of God over your heart and mind (Phil 4:6,7). In Christ, you have the ability to think clearly and to follow His leading. Read and meditate on today’s verse. Believe and know that God has given understanding to everyone born of God, and you are not excluded as one of His children.
May clarity of thought about the weighty decisions in your life be yours in abundance. Live in the peace to follow Jesus, who is true.
Blessings Love y’all