Grace And Truth
“And the Word was made 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). John the apostle saw and personally knew the Saviour, the only begotten of the Father. He and others of his time beheld His glory, knew Him on an intimate basis, and saw these characteristics: “full of grace and truth.”
Let’s define those terms.
Grace is from the Greek word charis, from which the word charisma (translated “gift” in our KJV New Testament) is derived. The Greek dictionary in Strong’s Concordance gives this definition: graciousness … of manner or act . .. especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life … I’m not including the complete definition here, but underline this part especially, as it pertains to the life of the believer in relationship with Christ our Lord. As John knew Him, and Jesus knew John (the disciple whom Jesus loved), so we as believers may know Him, and He in turn knows and loves His own. Grace is the out working of Christ’s character in our lives.
The most common New Testament usage of truth comes from aletheia which means “that which is true,” and “a verity.” Truth is the best translation for aletheia in the English language. I also find it very interesting that the word verily, which Jesus often used (as in, “Verily, verily I say unto you”) comes from the Greek word for Amen. We often think of Amen as meaning “may it be so.”
“Christians who lack integrity hinder the progress of the Gospel in this world and set the Christian message in a false light. Determine to be honest in thought and speech and act. Lay this down as a cornerstone of your life …” (Quote by Selwyn Hughes)
Christ’s life was and is the essence of Grace and Truth. God has made the provision and desires that each of His children have His grace and truth, so that the Good News can be proclaimed to the multitudes and that Christ may be seen in us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 brings this out: “But we an with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Now the challenge: May we each ask ourselves, “Does my life reflect the Savior’s life in everyday living? Does my life glorify Christ?” And, not pretentiously, but by the grace of God may we ask: “Is my life full of grace and truth?” Grace, after all, is a free gift. Is this where we get the Spanish word “gratis” which means “free”?
Therefore, as grace is a gift available to all of God’s children, let us avail ourselves of that gift, by his grace! (No redundancy here.)
If ever God’s people needed God’s grace to successfully carry out His work, it is today. We need to speak the truth, live it, teach it, exemplify it, and pass it on to others. No matter where we go, what we are doing, or whatever the circumstance, the light of the glorious Gospel will shine as we live and serve by God’s grace, speaking and living His truth. Several examples:
In the supermarket: We are often tested when we make small change, and people are often pleasantly surprised when we return to them the excess. It is encouraging when they trust you to run out to the car for a couple of coins, because the cash register was running short of change! Have they seen something of Christ in my character?
On the busy highway, I am challenged to be gracious to the abusive “other driver.” I need to remember to ask myself, “How would Jesus drive?” Can I be gracious to the one who cuts in front of me without so much as a wave?
In a roomful of people, and when we are having a “good time” catching up with friends and family, are we careful to be accurate and honest in our banter and story-telling? Or do we like to embellish it just a bit to make it more interesting?
In a private interview with a brother or sister, we need to always stick to the truth and encourage others to do the same. It is only by the grace of God and speaking the truth in love that we can help others in these areas.
“Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt;
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within …
Grace, grace, God’s grace; Grace that is greater than all our sin.”
~Mark Gingerich
::Note:: To download a PDF of the entire Newsletter for these two months simply click the link below!
January/February 2013 Newsletter