John 1 | The Critical Couplet

Of all the words the Apostle John could have used to describe Jesus why did the Spirit inspire him to use these two: grace and truth? What is critical to understand about Jesus through these words and essential for our lives?

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (John 1:14-18)

As you read your Bible, you will discover this couplet used throughout. It's often described as "lovingkindness and truth."

TRUTH

… is essential. If we are to be the men and women God desires, we must be filled with both Biblical truth and truthfulness (both of which can be interpreted here). If we do not have truth, we are wandering, missing the mark, unable to find the path ourselves or help others find the path. Jesus didn’t just have truth, he WAS truth. “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” he said in John 14:6.

But if we have only truth alone, we can become harsh, sterile, judgmental, Pharisaical. We need grace.

GRACE

… is that Divine power that gives us the desire and power to do what God asks. It is God's grace that saves us. It is God's grace that gives us the graciousness that loves others and makes the truth reasonable. It is grace that sees those around us with mercy and understanding knowing that we are just as prone to sin. It is grace that humbles us realizing that His enabling is what gives us all we need.

Grace and truth. Are you filled with Jesus? If you are you will be filled with this critical couplet.

Father, thank You for the balancing qualities of grace and truth. Give me both, Lord. Make my heart tenderized by grace and convictional by the truth. May people around me see and feel both sides of Your nature through me.