In this profound lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on the eternal question Pilate asked Christ: “What is truth?” He explains that this question still stands today, as many claim to defend the truth without truly knowing it. True knowledge of truth is not an intellectual theory or a personal opinion but a living relationship with God Himself, for Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Main points:

• Divine Truth: Truth is one of God’s names. Christ Himself is the full embodiment of truth. Whoever knows God, knows truth.

• Truth sets free: Knowing the truth liberates man from falsehood, conflict, and error, leading to spiritual peace.

• Beware of half-truths: Half-truths are not the whole truth. One must see both cause and effect to understand reality correctly.

• Truth in Scripture: A single verse cannot stand alone. All related verses must be read together for full understanding, as Christ said, “It is written… and it is also written.”

• Truth and justice: In Scripture, truth also means justice—giving every person what is rightfully his, without favoritism or oppression.

• Truth in behavior: The truthful person neither justifies the guilty nor condemns the innocent. Flattery, deceit, exaggeration, and dishonesty are all against truth.

• Truth and duty: Every right is matched by a duty; one cannot claim rights without fulfilling responsibilities.

• Truth and forgiveness: True forgiveness cannot be separated from repentance. Like the prodigal son and the sinful woman, forgiveness follows sincere return to God.

• The price of truth: Truth has a cost. Those who walk in it must be ready to suffer for it, as John the Baptist and the martyrs did.

• The triumph of truth: Truth may seem delayed but never defeated. Like Joseph and Daniel, truth always triumphs in the end.

Spiritual message:
Truth is not an abstract idea—it is a person: Christ Himself. To live in truth is to live in God. The one who abides in truth, even through trials, finds ultimate freedom and heavenly joy.

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