Gentled by Grace

We have seen his glory…who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV)

Swans are the most graceful birds! They are magnificent in every aspect and seem to glide effortlessly over the water. Cynthia Ruchti (Mornings with Jesus) shares a home run with her message.

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I’ve quoted it, believed it, counted on it, and taught it. Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” Today, though, it’s resonating in a new way.

Some people are full of themselves, full of baloney, up to their eyeballs in work, full to the brim with ideas, or have had it “up to here” with their kids/boss/neighbor. But Jesus? He was full of grace and truth - at the same time. If we’re to grow into Christlikeness, logic tells us the same mix of truth and grace should be our lifelong goal.

All truth and no grace is religiosity. All grace and no truth is misguided. It’s a beautiful, awe-inspiring, divine blend that warranted the description of Jesus in Scripture. It’s the same blend that sets a person apart in this truth-challenged, grace challenged world of ours, one not all that different from the culture of Jesus’ time.

How does that change my approach to life? It’s what’s on my heart as I rehearse those words: full of grace and truth. Won’t it mean that every interaction—with friends, strangers, family, church family, store clerk, antagonist—should be firmly rooted in truth and gentled by grace? How does it change my approach to me? I failed miserably again. Messed up. Spoke too harshly. I was impatient. Truth in me would have to agree. All true. Grace in me would forgive myself, be kinder to myself, and view myself through Jesus’s eyes.

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I am always amazed at how much grace we can extend to others, but we tend to rip ourselves to shreds. There is something in that phrase “gentled by grace.” I’ve never thought of gentle as a verb, but it evokes another image of our wonderful Jesus.

FAITH STEP: Which is racing to the lead in your life—grace or truth? Make it your prayer to, with His power, be as full of both as Jesus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-rW7jyN_7M&t=3s Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Gentle Jesus may Your grace and truth never grow out of balance in me. Help us to be worthy reflections of You. AMEN.

Photo Carol Starkweather Shelman