TRUTH AND GRACE
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14-18 (ESV)
Jesus is the perfect balance of these two attributes revealed. Grace speaks to God's unmerited favor and love, given freely to humanity. Truth reveals God's character, His righteousness, and His justice. In Jesus, grace and truth come together in a way that was previously unknown to the world. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises—He is both the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world and the faithful King who brings the Kingdom of God to earth.
Through the incarnation, Jesus not only revealed God’s grace and truth but also invited us to partake in it. His presence among us is a call to live differently—to live as those who have encountered grace, who understand the truth of God’s love for the world.
His life and death on the cross display both the severity of sin (truth) and the boundless love of God (grace). Where we fall short, grace abounds; where we are lost, truth leads us to salvation.
APPLICATION:
- Living in Grace: If we truly understand the grace of God, we should be radically different in how we treat others. Grace calls us to forgive those who have wronged us, to offer second chances, and to see people not for their failures but for the potential they have in Christ. How can you extend grace to someone today?
- Living in Truth: Embracing truth means accepting both the reality of our brokenness and the hope of transformation through Christ. Truth calls us to live authentically, to align our actions with God's Word, and to be honest with ourselves and with others. Is there an area of your life where you need to walk more fully in the truth of God's Word?
- Balance of Grace and Truth: It's easy to lean too heavily on one or the other. Without grace, truth becomes harsh, and without truth, grace can become shallow. But Jesus models for us a perfect balance. His grace doesn't excuse our sin; it redeems it. His truth doesn't condemn us; it frees us. Where in your life do you need to invite both grace and truth to work together?
PRAYER: Spend time asking God to guide you where you need to show grace and where you need to show truth today. What truth is the Spirit wanting to reveal to you, and where do you need to be reminded of His grace today. Who do you need to speak truth to or show grace to?
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?