The problem is when we choose one or the other; when we make it an either/or decision.

Sometimes we choose one over the other in a moment. Think about the last time you had an argument – or a fight! – with a family member. It was probably full of truth, but not much grace! Or think about the last time you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, so you really did not give them the whole truth of what you thought and were just – well – kind.

Sometimes we deceive ourselves in choosing one over the other permanently. I have heard people say “well I just speak my mind”, or “I just don’t have any mercy”, or “I just don’t want to be too hard and unkind”. What they are telling themselves is that they are simply not capable – their DNA does not allow them – to have both grace and truth in their lives. And they are right! We cannot do this on our own.

But if Christ’s Spirit lives in us and empowers us and guides us then we absolutely can live this way.
When we act and live one without the other, we are out of balance. And it has consequences.

When you act truthfully without grace, that is called self-righteousness. You are not giving any grace; you are giving what truth alone would rightfully give them. You are assuming that you are always right, and no one deserves any forgiveness. If God dealt with us this way, none of us would survive one more second.

On the other hand, when you act graciously without truth, you are informing the world that you believe there are no boundaries, no reality, and we can live as we please. Many times, grace without truth leads to destruction of relationships and people. The parent who is not willing to give the child truth through correction, ends up creating an adult sized baby. The spouse who is not willing to share their true feelings about their unhealthy relationship, creates a chasm between them and their partner. And on and on.

The Bible says that Jesus is full of grace and truth [Jn 1:14].
This means that first of all, He is full of the grace of God that seeks the good of everyone – unbelievers included. This grace and love flows out of His entire being. AT THE SAME TIME – in order to bring about God’s gracious plan of redemption, Jesus proclaimed the Truth of God in word and deed with absolute accuracy and perfection. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ embodies both grace and truth for us – our sin debt is paid and we didn’t have to pay for it!

In “full of grace and truth” the and is significant!

God wants me to have this perfect balance of grace and truth in my life as well.