Grace is the unmerited favor of God toward people. We cannot earn, nor do we deserve it.
Truth is what is real. God’s truth is objective and not defined by us.
Truth without Grace = Judgement
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Galatians 3:10 (ESV)
Grace without Truth = License
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)
Grace and Truth Together
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (ESV)
17 … Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” John 4:17-18 (ESV)
Grace and Truth Together With Time
- Redemptive Time
- Seasons of Time
- God Time and Bad Time
Bond first with God, and then with others.
“Bonding is a basic human need. God created us with a hunger for relationship – for relationship with Him and with others.” Dr. Henry Cloud.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (ESV).
In Healthy Relationships:
- We can flesh out our need for attachment to God and to others.
- We can recognize and turn from distorted thinking about God, ourselves, and others.
- We can learn to take risks, move away from isolation, identify our defenses, and understand our emotions.
- We can learn to pray, meditate on God’s Word, and rely on the Holy Spirit.
Based on: Changes that Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You by Dr. Henry Cloud.