The extension of Grace is one of the most profound concepts to fathom. Unmerited favor from God seems hard to reconcile in our human mind. It is not conditioned but freely given despite our failures or shortcomings. This extension of grace is only possible because the love of Christ is relentless. Grace is the expression of God’s incredible love. We are given a deep pure and undying love as God’s children which shows in the nail pierced hands of Jesus. Stretched east to west. So, the question we have as believers is, where do we integrate honesty? Honesty is often referred to truth in biblical terms. The entirety of God’s word is Truth (Psalm 119:160). We extend grace, show love, and uphold truth. Often, we snuggle up to the warmth of grace because it is inviting, and we rest in the arms of love because it soothes.
Truth (honesty) when properly placed in the balance meter with grace and love, provides us with wisdom, knowledge, and guidance as Christian leaders. It has been shared that grace without truth is meaningless and truth without grace is mean (Hodges, 2017). Both must be used with great intention to reflect the heart of God. As leaders, how do you apply truth at work? As with all areas of your life, being the example to those in your charge is critical to gaining the trust of your team. “Walk uprightly, work righteously, and speak truth in their hearts” (Psalm 15:1-5). In addition, honoring those in your charge with loving feedback that may challenge them but still treasure them is a great responsibility. Coaching with pure intentions and correcting behaviors that will help them to be all God has called them to be is your duty. Consider what Scripture says “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth requires us to know our word, to allow the word to write our agenda, and to steward the lives we are assigned to lead. In our own agendas and desires, we might lean heavy in grace and love without truth, or we will only offer truth without the framework of love which heals and protects.
Therefore, our truth is only God’s truth which is found in our ability to lean on him for direction through his word. Honesty as Christians has a greater, deeper meaning than simply telling the truth, though that applies. It is the ability to know the truth, speak the truth, and live the truth which is provided in Yahweh. “Jesus answered, “ I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). You can lead like Jesus!