Grace and Truth
Scripture Reading — John 1:14-18
The one and only Son [Jesus Christ] . . . came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Some of us are what we might call “truth people.” We tend to draw firm lines between right and wrong, and we feel that we have a responsibility to speak up when something doesn’t sound right.
Sometimes this is a gift because God can use us to identify sin and injustice, urging people to bring about change. But sometimes it hurts our relationships because we can focus on the negative and be judgmental, pushing people away.
Meanwhile, some of us are “grace people.” We gravitate toward the idea of God’s love and forgiveness, and we don’t like making a scene or creating conflict. Instead, we try to forgive others and move on.
This too can be a gift because God can use us to bring harmony into tough situations. But we need to be careful not to ignore serious hurts and problems that should be addressed.
In the Bible we learn what God is like in the life and teaching of Jesus. And we see how Jesus brings the practices of grace and truth together. Jesus is infinitely compassionate—willing to forgive all who place their faith in him. At the same time, he is not afraid to speak a hard word of truth to bring someone deeper into faith.
At this time in your life, what do you need from God? Grace? Encouragement? Forgiveness? A word of truth to set you in the right direction?
Lord, thank you for being the God of both grace and truth. Speak whatever words I need to hear in my life in order to grow nearer to you. Amen.
About the author — A.J. Gretz
Anthony Joseph (A.J.) Gretz is a pastor in Grandville, Michigan. He has also served churches in Ohio and in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and his wife, Anna, have three children.
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