Have you ever gotten in an argument? Of course you have. Unless you are the rare person who has no views on anything, then you have been through a verbal joust with someone. And you did so because you thought the other person was wrong and you were right.

If you argue enough times, you quickly learn that, while arguing can win the point, it can’t win the person. Sometimes you can get others to do what you want by raising your voice. You might even be able to get them to do something good. You can yell the truth, and it might be very true; but while raising your voice may change someone’s actions, it won’t change a person’s heart.

At Fern Creek Christian, our first value is “Grace and Truth.” It is a clear reminder that Jesus came carrying both, fully (John 1.14). And if we are going to live and love like Jesus, then we are to be people of grace and truth, too. This means that we believe in truth, and that truth is most clearly seen in Jesus (John 14.6). It also means the only way that truth reaches us, and changes us, is through grace. In Jesus’ hands, truth is good news — and is rooted in the love that God has for us.

How desperately does our world need both grace and truth? Probably about as much as I need them; which is to say, desperately.

We live in a day when there are arguments about all kinds of issues. And sometimes, it feels as if the world is changing rapidly, almost daily. As it does, keep yourself grounded in the grace and truth of God; for they are a foundation that won’t change. And as you think about what it means to be a person of grace and truth, let me offer these suggestions:

1. Never forget how much you need grace and truth. Especially grace. None of us is anywhere without grace. Wake up each day grateful for that grace; hit the pillow each night recognizing how grace helped you through the day.
2. When you remember #1, then you can’t help but show grace to others. People of grace share grace. It’s contagious. Remember, you choose what you are a carrier for: grumpiness or grace. And if you live in grace, you’ll find it more and more natural to choose to be a carrier for grace. In fact, before you know it, you’ll be looking for ways to pour out grace on other people. You won’t be able to help it; that’s just how grace is.
3. Finally, remember that it’s God’s job to change people. Not yours. Or mine. We are simply carriers for grace and truth — we can’t and shouldn’t force it down people’s throats. Our job is to live in such a way that people see that there is something gracious about us. In word and deed, we point people to a deeper grace, a lasting truth. Our job is to point to grace and truth, but it’s God’s job to bring the change.

So relax. Take a breath. Let God do the heavy lifting; you simply make sure that you are so rooted in truth and grace that you can’t help but be a carrier. And then watch how it spreads.