“And we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:14b ESV

Jesus caused so much controversy in his day partly because, as a religious leader, he surrounded himself with marginalized people like prostitutes and corrupt government officials. In fact, he was known as “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Mt. 11:19).

And yet he never once backed down from sharing the truth.

It is amazing to me that Jesus unapologetically preached a Scripture-based morality, and yet people with questionable morals were drawn to him in an almost inexplicable way.

How can it be that these people did not feel judged by Jesus and his teaching?

The only possible explanation is that they understood without a doubt that, despite their mistakes, Jesus truly loved them.

We live in a moment where some Christians, in the name of inclusion, are deconstructing the Scriptures so as to not offend anyone.

At the same time, others preach the truth in a hateful way that actually repels those they are trying to reach.

Jesus taught us a different path: living full of both grace and truth.

He hated sin because it destroys human beings created in the image of God, and at the same time he loved each person that crossed his path so deeply that they knew he accepted them just as they were.

May our love be so true that all people, regardless of their choices, feel comfortable around us.

That kind of love will transform the world.

Here is a short prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: Jesus,
Breathe out: Fill me with grace and truth.