“Grace and Truth + Time = Change”
Grace is the relational aspect of God’s character. Grace says, “You do not need to perform; you do not need to do anything to be loved.” (Cloud)
Truth is the structural aspect of His character. God’s truth … describes how things really are. (Cloud)
“Grace and Truth are the ingredients “necessary for growing up in the image of God.” (Henry Cloud)
Did you notice that? The purpose is to grow us “up in the image of God,” returning us to what we were created to be: So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 New Living Translation
Jesus modeled it for us: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15 New International Version
And apparently we cannot fail, because: God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Romans 8:29a New Life Version
This has been a rocky week for me. I have a tooth that will require either a Root Canal or an extraction. It hurts to eat. I am also struggling with Chronic Fatigue. I feel overwhelmed.
As I sat in my recliner playing virtual solitaire (card games seem to help repattern my brain), I started to listen to what what going on in my head: “Get up, you lazy girl. Get busy. You have a lot to do, no time to waste. Who do you think you are?” And on and on.
And I realized that my self-talk offered neither Truth, nor Grace. If I am growing into the image of God and the likeness of Christ, shouldn’t I learn to extend Grace and Truth – to myself?
So today, I will practice hearing Truth (I will praise the Lord. I won’t forget anything he does for me. He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses.
Psalm 103:2-3 New International Reader’s Version)
And I will practice giving and receiving Grace (Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:2b The Message).
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT
Because treating myself with Grace and Truth must come before I can learn to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”