GRACE AND TRUTH! Jesus modeled for us the perfect balance of God’s character: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14); “for the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”(v.17). Jesus spent time with sinners (Matt 9:9-13) and with the religious (Luke 7:36-50). He spoke of God’s love and purpose to any who would listen. Jesus did not seek men’s approval or praise, but He did seek to reveal the heart and the Word of God the Father in every situation. Jesus taught that God expects us to keep our relationships with one another pure and undefiled. The Bible clearly reveals a host of fleshly and sinful behaviors that are unacceptable to God in our relationships, including: unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, envy, jealously, strife, gossip, being judgmental, etc. (Matt 5:21-24, 43-48; 6:12,14,15; 7:1-6; 18:21-35; Rom 12:9-21; Gal 5:13-15, 19-21; 1John 2:9,10; 3:10-18 – these are just a few of the many references that illustrate God’s strong emphasis on our having right relationship with one another). We cannot control the attitudes or behavior of others; but we can decide what our own will be. And oftentimes, our attitude of “grace and truth” will open the way for reconciliation and peace with others. When we work toward right relationships, filled with God’s “grace and truth”, it facilitates unity. Greater unity in the Body of Christ is a key to releasing the anointing presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, our churches and our communities. It is also a witness to the world of the genuine truth of the Gospel (John 17:20,21). Praise the Lord! It’s a great day, celebrate it!
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:12:47 +0000
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