When does the truth hurt? When we forsake the ways of God. All those who forsook the word of God in the Old Testament and did not repent died without hope.

King Saul could no more handle the truth after he disobeyed God. He kept tumbling into one sin after another. But King David, on the other hand, repented of his terrible sins after hearing the hard truth about what he had done against God. He was forgiven, and his repentance became a testimony. God's grace and mercy have become our refuge.

When we willfully submit to God's word, the truth sanctifies us. 

To sanctify means to free us from sin, purifying us to grow and live daily for the glory of God.

In Jesus' sermons, there were primarily two kinds of people. 

Some loved what they heard and followed Him. Some others heard the word but gave up, realizing it was too difficult for them to live this life. 

The latter gave up the truth so they could live a lie. How do you think the truth will make them feel going forward? Such end up believing their lies as the truth. How do you think they will behave? Eventually, they will give in to violence. 

Dear brother and sister in Christ, the road ahead may feel harder. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. What He started in your life, He will finish. 

Trust and abide in Jesus. 

Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.