This world can be a crazy place, full of deception and confusion when it comes to deciding how we should live our lives.
But thankfully, we aren’t left without hope. God’s truth, the Bible, is our roadmap. It gives us clear instructions on how to live.
Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
In the Bible, we are given three ways to live out the truth. It’s important that we strive to have each of these present in our lives every day.
1. Grace and Truth (John 1:17)
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17, KJV).
Grace must be clearly anchored in truth. Grace is the most important thing to a Christian. It’s by grace through faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8). And it’s God’s grace that keeps us saved. We must know the truth of grace—it is unmerited favor, something we receive that we do not deserve.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Grace is the free favor of God, the undeserved bounty of the Ever Gracious.” We need grace for good times and bad times. When we fall short, it’s grace that picks us up. Grace and truth are the cornerstones of every Christian’s life.
Without grace, the truth alone would leave us all guilty before God. The truth is that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). If we were judged only by the truth of God’s perfect law, none of us could stand. The law shows us our sin, but grace offers us salvation.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Grace changes everything. It doesn’t ignore the truth of our sin; instead, it provides a way for us to be forgiven.
Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ to show that while the law condemns, grace redeems. The truth reveals our need for a Savior, and grace provides Him.
The law finds the disease, and grace alone brings the cure.
2. Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
We are called to worship God, but we must do it in spirit and in truth. We cannot worship God in “our” truth, if there even is such a thing. We must worship Him in His truth. It’s not only about singing songs or praising Him; it’s about living every moment of our lives for Him. We are “a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
Our lives must be a reflection of Christ if we are to say we are true worshippers of Jesus Christ. This is anchored in spirit and truth—not just our emotions.
3. Deed and Truth (1 John 3:18)
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
It’s easy to tell someone you love them, but it’s an entirely different thing to show that love through actions. True love is anchored in the Bible. It’s acted out through our deeds, so people can see and know you love them. Love must be sincere and real.
When you combine grace, worship, and love, you end up with a full Christian life. Grace for where we fall short or need help from God, worship for how good God is, and love to help reach others. But all of this is only possible when anchored in truth.
In a world that’s often confusing and deceptive, God’s truth shines like a beacon. By living out grace and truth, worshipping in spirit and truth, and loving in deed and truth, we align ourselves with His will. Let us hold firmly to God’s Word and let it guide our every step. As we do, we’ll not only find our own paths clearer but also light the way for others.
