Balancing Grace and Truth

In John 1:14, the Gospel writer describes Jesus—the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us—as being “full of grace and truth.”

Jesus was more than a sinless man; He was a flawless illustration of the nature of God. In perfect balance, the life of Christ simultaneously revealed the glory of God and the pattern of a perfect human life.

As God, Jesus was “the Word,” a clear and unwavering expression of eternal truth. And as man, Jesus revealed how “flesh” could live according to God’s standards through a yielded, Spirit-led life.

So even though the life of Christ was a stark contrast of humanity and divinity, two common character traits flowed through each side. What were they?

They were grace and truth.

John says Jesus was full of these things, using language in the original Greek that meant every area of Jesus’ being was totally permeated with these two elements.

Why do I bring this up? Because John’s description of Jesus is invaluable in understanding the nature of God and the secret of successful family relationships.

Just as Jesus was a perfect combination of grace and truth, successful marriages must also be balanced with these two elements.

In every relationship, truth is the essential ingredient that holds fast to a standard and prevents moral degeneration. But alone, truth can be cruel, harsh, intimidating and counterproductive.

Grace is another ingredient essential to healthy relationships. It values other people. It elevates them in position. It forgives and acts with compassion. Grace isn’t focused on performance, but on the desire for unity.

Grace works alongside truth. It is the ointment that makes truth bearable. It’s the sweet fragrance that beautifies an imperfect garden. Grace doesn’t argue with or disagree with God’s standards, but it accepts, forgives, and encourages the one who is struggling to attain to truth.

Truth and grace are inseparable partners. Have you ever been around someone who prides him or herself in being “brutally honest”? Honesty is a good thing—but brutality is not. By itself, truth wounds. Truth can a harsh taskmaster with no loyal subjects. That’s why truth must be accompanied by grace.

But grace by itself is like a cheerleader without a team. It’s a spineless organism without strength or definition. Grace needs truth to be its backbone.

Relationships made of truth without grace dry up.

Relationships of grace without truth blow up.

Relationships of truth and grace grow up.

Grace and truth were two essential elements perfectly balanced within the person of Christ. His example is the standard for human relationships.

Consider your own marriage. How permeated is it by grace? How full of truth is it? Most importantly, how well are those two characteristics balanced?