The Balance of Grace and Truth

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

You've probably felt the tension between extending grace and pointing out the truth. As a Christian, which one is more important? Grace without truth, simply sweeps things under the rug at the expense of what is right and just. But, all truth and no grace is like a game of divine "whack-a-mole" where God is waiting to thump the head of anyone He catches in the wrong. Neither are accurate or complete pictures of God.

In John 1:14 , Jesus is described as "...from the Father, full of grace and truth". In John 8 he's presented with a woman caught in the act of adultery. After challenging her accusers to examine their own conduct Jesus responds to her by saying, "Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus method of grace is not sweeping her sin under the rug. He clearly commands her to not go on sinning. His method of truth is not fear driven. He does not shame her. Instead he extends grace, which powerfully leads her to the truth. Do you believe that God's grace is more powerful than the fear of consequences? Do you believe that the Truth is what will ultimately set you free? As Christians, I pray the Holy Spirit helps shape our hearts and minds to be a people that rightly reflect Gods character... Full of Grace and Truth.