Grace and Truth
You and I live among people that love to talk about extending grace, or better yet, receiving grace. For some grace resembles a “get out of jail free” card. For others grace transcends any other aspect of decision making. I recently asked a college professor what were the key factors in leading her to accept a position at the university. She gave several strong points about the stage of life her family was in, the great opportunity ahead, and the overall desire to make a change. The she stopped herself and said, “Well, really it was grace.” Her statement sucked the air out of the room. Surely, for many, grace defines life. But grace isn’t a magic bean that grows into beanstalks. At least not the grace I have come to know. Grace leads through all of life, not merely the decision-making times.
And similarly we live among people where truth is relative. What is truth for one, doesn’t have to be truth for you. Truth is at times substituted out for honesty. Usually by people who are “speaking the truth in love.” The kind of people who tell you that “you are ugly, an underachiever, and destined for a life of mediocrity.” All in the name of love because “the truth will set you free.” Free from your crazy ideas that you have worth.
The combination of Grace and Truth are different from magic and honesty. Magic makes you feel good. Honesty allows you to vent when need to speak your mind. The New Testament passage in John 1 says that Grace and Truth were realized (actualized, personified) in Jesus. Interestingly enough, Jesus was not out for His own agenda. He understood a bigger perspective. His Grace accepts and encourages. His Truth isn’t opinionated.
Leaders can learn from this great example. Do people need acceptance and encouragement? Do they need grace? Absolutely. And they need Truth. Not an honest opinion. But Truth that has an absolute. Truth that transcends cultures and genders.
Grace combined with Truth, consistently applied, leads people to growth. The application to follow is this. Grace plus Truth over time yields growth.
What is your standard for accepting others? Grace doesn’t judge. And what is your standard for Truth? Truth exposes error. The combination of acceptance and confrontation is the reality we all need to embrace. I believe we all possess strengths and value. And I believe we all can improve.
Identify at least two people in your sphere of influence that you can accept and confront. Grace and Truth.
Tags: consistent, Grace, growth, leadership, Truth