“Truth with Grace”

“Truth with Grace”

February 1, 2017

A beautiful description of Jesus is found in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” I cannot think of a person more desirable to be around than one who is full of grace and truth.

In my growing up years, I had the example of adults who placed heavy emphasis on truth. My personality thrived on this influence, and I learned to take pride in being truthful – a good quality that needs to be balanced with grace. The grace part did not come so naturally to me and I learned that I could verbally take down just about anyone with my truth punches. I am sorry this was my way of life.

Over time, I became weary of having to apologize – not for what I said but the manner in which I said it (or yelled it!), not to mention how many lunches I had to buy to get people to want to continue doing life and ministry with me. I am grateful for the people who cared enough to help me understand the principle of combining truth with grace, and for Jesus’ example of being “full of grace and truth.”

Jesus had no problem telling people the “straight stuff” when they needed to hear it, but we can sense the grace in His life as His continual desire was for people to know Him and accept the eternal life with Creator God that comes through faith in Him. The people who upset Him were those that claimed to know truth but denied Jesus, Who is Truth. Most of His conversations with people were filled with obvious Grace and Truth.

As I reflect on my life journey, I have no regrets that I was taught to know and follow Truth. Jesus said that it is “truth that sets us free” (John 8:32). But I admit that I was a slow learner in understanding and applying grace in my conversations and in my convictions. It does no good to beat up someone with a Bible, but when Truth is combined with God’s Spirit of Grace, the result is life and peace – and usually a sense of growth and accomplishment. Still growing and learning, I may have a few people deserving my apology when I get to Heaven.

Pastor Bill Ehmann

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RECENT POSTS

Resolution Success

By wvbaptist | January 3, 2019 | 0 Comments

January 2, 2019 It is that time of year when many people make resolutions about goals to accomplish and habits to change. There is debate as to how many are fulfilled or broken, but it seems that most are never […]

Proactive Peace

By wvbaptist | December 28, 2018 | 0 Comments

December 28, 2018 Pondering events of 2018, I have reviewed some decisions that bring a sense of enjoyment. Proactive benefits. I admit to some lack of being proactive, and the results were painful. Anticipating the year ahead, I am trying […]

Grateful for Peace

By wvbaptist | December 19, 2018 | 0 Comments

December 19, 2018 Nearing the end of the year, my daily Bible reading includes a chapter from Revelation. I understand so little about this book. Much of the story in Revelation is anything but peaceful. It is obvious that Jesus […]

A Story Worth Repeating

By wvbaptist | December 14, 2018 | 0 Comments

December 14, 2018 A song says it well: “I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.” I am pondering those words while reading the Christmas Story […]

December Review

By wvbaptist | December 7, 2018 | 0 Comments

December 5, 2018 I appreciate the calendar. It helps me set goals, evaluate, make adjustments and enjoy a sense of completion. January suggests a full year of opportunity. I find it easy to decide on a Bible reading plan, determine […]

Scroll to Top