Do you like things that are salty and sweet? I sure do. There’s something about kettle corn, salted caramel, and french fries with milkshakes that creates the perfect balance of flavors. Interestingly, I believe this is how grace and truth function in the life of a believer. The Bible says that Christ — the Living Word — came to earth full of these important, and seemingly opposite, characteristics. You see, whereas grace is unmerited favor, or getting what we don’t deserve, truth calls out reality and reminds us of what we do deserve. So how do these two coexist and complement each other? The answer is simple, and it’s found in the salvation we received through Jesus. When our circumstances are viewed through the filter of our righteousness in Him, we can embrace both. Even when the truth says that we’ve messed up majorly and that our situation is getting worse by the day, grace says that we’re already forgiven and that the power of our Savior can turn things around. While truth without grace feels harsh and painful — like salt in a wound — grace without truth is destructive — like a sugary treat that tastes good but leaves us in poor health. It’s only when a balance is struck between both that we grow into all that God has for us.

My friend, embrace your struggle and brokenness with the understanding that even if your situation looks dire, you are fully accepted and redeemed. Nothing is beyond God’s ability to turn around, and as you receive His unmerited mercy in the midst of your mess, He will renew your hope and flood your heart with unconditional love. As you acknowledge the saliency of truth and balance it with the sweetness of grace, you can live a life so full of supernatural power that it will sustain you and inspire others!