This is a beautiful testimony from someone who lived the truth: 

Richard Wurmbrand was an evangelical minister in Romania during the Soviet occupation after World War II. When the communists came to power, they convened a so-called “Congress of Cults”, where religious leaders were supposed to swear allegiance to the new communist regime and declare that communism and Christianity were compatible. 

Many religious leaders agreed, because they were afraid. But when it was Wurmbrand’s turn to speak, he chose to stand for truth rather than self-preservation. Instead of delivering the expected eulogy to the regime, he declared that Christians must honour God above any earthly authority, and that true Christianity could never be reconciled with atheistic communism. 

This act of courage led to his arrest in 1948. Wurmbrand spent a total of 14 years in communist prisons, including three years in total isolation. While in prison, he was brutally tortured, but he never renounced his faith or the truth. 

While in prison, Wurmbrand developed a method of preaching to fellow prisoners by tapping messages in Morse code on the walls. He later said: 

“It was in prison that we found hope for salvation for the communists. It was there that we developed a sense of responsibility towards them. It was there that we learned to forgive and love the people who tortured us.” 

After his release by means of a ransom paid by Norwegian Christians, Wurmbrand and his family escaped to the West. In 1967, he founded Voice of the Martyrs, an organisation dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians worldwide. 

Richard made no compromises. Truth was more important to him than his own life. He chose integrity over safety, truth over convenience, and love over hate. Walking in the truth was not just words in his head, but it filled his actions. 

How proud Richard Wurmbrand’s teachers must have been of their student! He stood up for what they had taught him. When he had to choose between his life and the truth, he chose the path he had been taught. The path of truth.  

John met a group of people to whom he was writing his letters. He was so excited and wrote to their leaders: 4I can’t tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth, exactly as commanded by the Father. 

May others also speak about our behaviour. May they also be encouraged, like us, to choose only the truth and live it, no matter what the cost. 

Scripture
2 John 1:4-6 

Reflection
Where do you struggle to live the truth?
How can you get rid of it?
Who do you need to show the truth to? 

Prayer
Father, I know there are still areas in my life where truth isn’t fully evident. Help me to get rid of them, so that my whole life can be in Your truth. Amen.