How can I recognize truth?
Wow, that’s the question of the ages. Seems like, for every opinion or doctrine there’s an opposite position that seems equally convincing. Who do you trust? How can you know what is right? Will it still be the truth years from now?
I read this article which gave me some insight: Diving Through the Waves of Uncertainty. When he was 17 years old, a friend introduced him to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he experienced “streams of light.” When he told his parents, they gave him piles of material that was critical of the Church. He read that material, and more. He wanted to be fair-minded and give it equal attention.
The material was negative, accusing, contradictory, confusing. It felt dark and in direct contrast to the light he previously experienced. The scriptures say:
“And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness” (D&C 50:23).
“the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [and] meekness” (Galatians 5:22–23)
After a few weeks of this material, he began to feel that he should go back to the light he had first experienced. It changed him as he learned about revelation from God.
Many scripture verses say ‘ask and it shall be given you.’ With experience, we learn to recognize the “still small voice” and “whisperings” of the spirit or the voice of God.
When there’s competing or conflicting voices, the only trustworthy source is God. And when God communicates, it comes with feelings of love, hope, peace, light, or goodness. It won’t be critical, contentious, tearing down, fault-finding, or negative.
At times we may feel guilt or remorse. That could be Heavenly Father showing us a better way, but it would come with love and encouragement if we are humble.
Jesus Christ wasn’t focused on what was wrong or who was wrong. Instead, he taught what was right and said, I’m am the way, follow me. John 14:6. His way was love and light.
Truth is found in light and positive, not dark and negative. Seek the light of Christ for that is where we will find love, peace, and truth.
James 1:5 If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives liberally, without criticizing or finding fault, and it shall be give you.
Moroni 10:4 ask God if these things are true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.