Understanding Romans 1:18-25 in Simple Terms
Have you ever heard the saying “exchanging the truth for a lie”? It comes from the Bible, specifically Romans 1:18-25, but it’s not just a religious phrase—it’s something that can happen in all of our lives, often without us noticing.
What Does “Exchanging the Truth for a Lie” Really Mean?
In simple words, this means choosing to believe or act on something untrue, even when the truth is available. Imagine knowing something is right but deciding to ignore it or pretend it isn’t true. It’s not just about lying to others; sometimes, we lie to ourselves, too.
How Does This Show Up in Everyday Life?
· Worshiping the wrong things: In the Bible, people started worshipping things that were made instead of the One who made everything. That might sound old-fashioned, but today we can do the same thing by putting money, success, or even other people above what’s truly important.
· Self-deception: Sometimes, we convince ourselves that something is right for us, even when deep down, we know it’s not. It’s like telling yourself you’re happy in a situation when you’re not, just to avoid facing the truth.
· Ignoring what we know is right: We might push aside what we know to be true or good, just because it’s easier or more comfortable to do so.
· Believing misinformation: In society, people sometimes accept fake news or conspiracy theories, even when there’s good reason to be skeptical, just because the false story is more convenient or comforting.
What Happens When We Trade Truth for Lies?
· Loss of trust: When lying becomes common—whether to each other or ourselves—it becomes hard to trust anyone. This can damage friendships, families, and even whole communities.
· Emotional fallout: Lying and living in denial can lead to stress, anxiety, and feeling bad about ourselves.
· Broken communities: When people act dishonestly for their own gain, it can break down the bonds that hold a group or society together.
Why Do People Do This?
According to Romans, no one can honestly say they’ve always done what’s right or that they’re unaware of what’s good. The world around us is full of signs that point to something greater—call it God, truth, or just the way things are meant to be. But people often ignore these signs, preferring what’s comfortable or popular instead.
The Big Picture
Exchanging the truth for a lie isn’t just about ancient times or religious beliefs. It’s a challenge we all face: Do we live honestly and seek what’s true, or do we settle for something less? The passage from Romans reminds us that, left unchecked, turning away from truth leads to confusion, hurt, and emptiness. But seeking truth—however hard—builds trust, community, and a sense of purpose.
In the end, no matter your beliefs, being honest with ourselves and each other is the foundation for a better life and a healthier society.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 