Since God abides in us, divine truth abides in us. We don't need to go anywhere in our search for truth, because it can be found within. This thought was expressed by Robert Browning in his poem "Paracletus":

Truth is within ourselves; it takes no rise
From outward things, whate'er you may believe.
There is an inmost center in us all,
Where truth abides is fullness; and around,
Wall upon wall, the gross flesh hems it in,
This perfect, clear perception which is truth.
A baffling and perverting carnal mesh
Binds it, and makes all error; and to know
Rather consists in opening out a way
Whence the imprisoned splendor may escape,
Than in effecting entry for a light
Supposed to be without.

Here we also find an excellent definition of spiritual development. It is "opening out a way" so that "the imprisoned splendor may escape". As we evolve, we don't acquire anything new - we bring to the surface divine treasures we always had.

"Seek and you shall find", said Jesus, but the truth must be sought at the place where it may be found, otherwise we may spend a lifetime seeking amiss. We've got to seek it within ourselves.

Those believers who defend reliance on external authorities, such as the Bible or the Church, often object that seeking the truth within leads an individual to pride and self-centeredness. These words prove to me that they don't know what they are talking about from personal experience.

Meditation is meant to get us in touch with the deepest core of our being, our I AM. It brings us into the state of concious unity with the Universal Truth and the Selfless Spirit. It opens our eyes to the realization that the same light which is within us, is within all people. Being immersed in God's light, we don't think of ourselves apart from others, neither do we seek personal benefits apart from the universal good. Being immersed in Love, we cannot think and act in selfish ways.

I've been acquainted with many people who practice meditation, just like with many of those who don't. According to my observations, meditators are likely to be more peaceful, agreeable, non-violent. They are more tolerate, more inclined to seek compromise. I rarely saw among them aggressive, intrusive, and self-seeking personalities. This indicated to me that they were able, even in a limited degree, to become attuned to one of the important aspects of God's nature: Truth.

Paul wrote that we are growing into the fullness of God as we "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), which brings to our attention another of divine attributes. God is love.

There is no truth apart form love. The ultimate truth about us is that we are loved by God, and this love makes all the difference. It guarantees that we cannot fail in achieving our goal in spiritual evolution.

At the same time, there is no love apart from truth. Words and acts which are void or truth, are void of love - even if they were meant for good. Indeed, love can be comforting and healing. But sweet embrace of love is always a challenge to rise up higher in consciousness and demonstration. God's love is so great that it won't allow us to stay as we are.

Love is meant to make us mature. Love is meant to make us strong.

There is a common misunderstanding that since God is Love, He forgives and accepts people. This is not correct - God never forgives anyone, because God never condemned anyone. People condemned themselves, and forgiving love of God delivers them from this feeling of self-condemnation. And it is just the beginning of their further progress.

Should we appeal to God's love in order to get something for nothing, or as some believers say, "by grace"? No way! We will never get something for nothing, because true love never makes us weak, dependent, and irresponsible. We will have to pay the full price so that "the imprisoned splendor may escape", and this price is our development.