Can You Handle “The Truth?”

So count me in among the many JFK conspiracy theorists. I’ve been to Dealey Plaza several times. I’ve read or listened to many books and programs about the assassination of JFK. I’ve watched the Zapruder tape many times. There’s no way someone’s head goes backwards when they’re being shot from above. And soon, finally, we will know the truth. President Trump has ordered the Director of National Intelligence and other agencies to present a plan for the full and complete release of all JFK assassination records.⁽¹¹⁾

There are truth bombs exploding all the time all around us, and not just in the realm of politics

Is it anti-climactic for truth be revealed some 60 years after the fact? We say that we are interested in truth at all times, but like Colonel Nathan R. Jessep in the movie, “A Few Good Men,” it could be that at times we really “can’t handle the truth”. ⁽¹⁾ 

It seems that a number of groups are not able or willing to handle a truth that they do not like. Democrats are struggling to accept the truth that Donald Trump is President again, and that they have themselves to blame for this.⁽⁷⁾ There are other groups who cannot accept the truth that there are only two genders.⁽⁸⁾ Many workers who were allowed to work from home are struggling with the truth about coming back to work in an office when the boss tells employees that they need to come back.⁽⁵⁾

There are truth bombs exploding all the time all around us, and not just in the realm of politics. What about when it comes to our health? Can we accept the truth that we may need to change our exercise routine, or to change our eating habits ?⁽⁹⁾ What about stress – it is true that there is really nothing we can do to minimize stress in our lives? ⁽¹⁰⁾

The truth is that we really can’t handle the truth

When it comes to conducting Performance Reviews, it seems that managers avoid “truth bombs” or being completely transparent with employees, because they dislike having hard conversations with employees in performance appraisals.⁽⁴⁾ While managers are told that they must speak truth to employees in order to avoid giving inflated performance scores, most managers don’t like to do that.⁽⁴⁾ Yet hearing honest feedback on performance is what helps employees know how to get better, which helps the organization achieve its goals. We should be embracing the truth, even when it is painful. My friend and best-selling author Ken Blachard put it this way: feedback is the breakfast of champions.⁽²⁾ We need to embrace the truth, in order to improve our performance… and to grow as a person as well.

The truth is that we really can’t handle the truth. We would have to admit our shortcomings and our weaknesses. We would have to admit our dependence and our insecurities. But it does not need to be this way. There is a truth that frees and uplifts; a truth that can free us from insecurity and fear of the future. This is a truth we need to embrace.

The Apostle Peter was someone who was familiar with failure. When Jesus spoke the truth to Peter about his future denial that he even knew Christ, Peter was quick to refute this truth, replying boastfully, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matthew 26:33-35). Only a few hours later, the truth of Jesus’ prediction was fulfilled. Yet the Lord had great plans for Peter, and He offered Peter full restoration and a mission of Kingdom service (see John 21:15-17).

We no longer need to live with our own limited knowledge

It is this fallen and restored Peter who writes to the scattered church with great encouragement in two letters; the second containing a promise for anyone who would embrace the truth of God’s existence and His plan for each life. Speaking about our Risen Savior Jesus, Peter wrote that, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 NASB). I particularly like the phrase, “true knowledge” from the NASB. Several other translations use the term, “full knowledge.” According to the Strong Concordance and Lexicon,⁽⁶⁾ the word used here refers to a deep, thorough, and precise knowledge; or a full understanding or discernment that goes beyond mere factual awareness. What is unique here is that while searching for this “true knowledge” of Christ, God is the One who grants the seeker this spiritual or moral insight, particularly in the context of knowing Christ and His will.⁽⁶⁾

We no longer need to live with our own limited knowledge, controlled by the media or social trends or even our lack of honesty with ourselves. We can now have a full-blown, God-powered existence based on truth. We can have everything we need to live a full and robust life, through the true knowledge of Christ. The truth is that God knows our hearts and our shortcomings (1 Samuel 16:7); and He observes the secrets of our hearts (Psalm 44:21). The truth is that nothing is hidden from His sight; and we will give an account to God for every thought and action (Hebrews 4:13) – and for denying the truth about His son.⁽³⁾

Choose to be courageous and seek His truth!

When the Apostle Paul writes about love to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 13), he writes about true knowledge or full knowledge, but only at the end of our time. Using himself as an example of this truth, Paul writes that “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12b ESV).

The unfortunate thing is that for many of us, by the time that we are fully known, that true knowledge will not be comfortable. It will be shattering and fearful and horrific, as we are held accountable for every word (Matthew 12:36), and as the judgment for our lives is finally paid in full. For those of us on this side of the cross, we believe that this end time will be a time of peace and joy and affirmation, as we have been faithful with little things, to enter the rest of Him who by His full knowledge judges the actions of our hands and the thoughts of our hearts (Matthew 25:34).

So soon a truth for which we have waited 60-plus years will be revealed. But there is another truth which was revealed some 2000-plus years ago which is right here, ready to be embraced and cultivated. Choose to be courageous and seek His truth! The reward is a fuller life here; and a forever life when we know Him fully!

Sources:

1. American Rhetoric: Movie Speech (1992). Colonel Nathan R. Jessup Testifies in Court on "Code Red." AmericanRhetoric.com. 
2. Blanchard, K. (2009, August 17). Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions. KenBlanchardBooks.com
3. Challies, T. (2025, February 2). Why You Should Just Be Honest With God. Challies.com
4. Chandler, M.T. (2016). How Performance Management is Killing Performance – and What To Do About It. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler. 
5. Dennison, K. (2024, July 11). How Return To Office Policies Are Impacting Employees In 2024. Forbes.com: Leadership
6. Strong, J (1980). Epignosis – definition. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance with Greek and Hebrew Dictionary. 
7. Gambino, L. (2025, January 26). In the wilderness: Democrats struggle to navigate the politics of new Trump era. The Guardian.
8. Mouriquand, D. (2025, January 22). Celebrities react to Donald Trump’s ‘two gender’ policy: ‘We will NOT be silent.’ EuroNews.
9. Oliveira, J. (2024, November 27). Why am I not losing weight? 6 sneaky reasons sabotaging your weight loss goals. Baylor Scott and White: bswhealth.com
10. Robinson, L.; & Smith, M. (2025, January 20). Stress Management: Techniques and Strategies to Deal with Stress. HelpGuide.org.
11. WhiteHouse.gov (2025, January 23). Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Orders Declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassination Files. WhiteHouse.gov.

Joseph J. Bucci has served as a Pastor, Author, HR Director, Director of Training, Professor and Consultant. He teaches in the College of Arts and Sciences at Regent University in Virginia Beach. He has written two books and numerous articles on the theme of integrating faith with life and our work. You can contact Dr. Bucci at: Joseph J Bucci