Teaching Truth with Grace in a Time of Tension

by Brad Cox

 

We are living in a politically charged season marked by sharp disagreements, quick judgments, and a constant pull to choose sides. Unfortunately, in many ways the church has found itself in a similar season. Topics that used to be cut and dry are suddenly up for discussion.  

Members in the same church family can see things very differently. Some call for more lenience in certain areas, while others demand their leaders produce position papers that draw lines in the sand. These are difficult waters for preachers, teachers, and shepherds to navigate. In such a climate, teaching truth can feel like stepping into a storm.

Truth matters because it anchors us. It gives clarity in confusion and direction in uncertainty, but how we communicate truth is just as important as the truth itself. Words spoken without humility can harden hearts instead of opening them. There is a reason why Jesus chose to hold truth in tension with grace (John 1:17).  

Grace, however, does not mean compromising convictions. It means recognizing the dignity of the person in front of you, even when you strongly disagree. It requires patience-the willingness to listen before responding, and empathy-the effort to understand before being understood. Grace softens the delivery of truth without diluting its substance.

Maintaining the balance between grace and truth can be challenging. Emphasizing grace without truth may lead to moral relativism, while focusing solely on truth can result in legalism. The Apostle Paul addresses this tension in Galatians 6:1, advising believers to restore those caught in sin “gently,” reflecting both grace and truth.

Jesus’ ministry provides numerous examples of striking this balance. In His encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus demonstrates grace by refusing to condemn her, saying, “Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11). Simultaneously, He upholds truth by instructing her, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). This incident illustrates how grace and truth work together to bring about both transformation and redemption.

In his telling of the gospel, Luke puts the stories of the rich ruler (18:18-23) and Zacchaeus the tax collector (19:1-9) together to highlight the dangers of riches.  Even though the outcomes were very different, in both encounters, Jesus graciously presents the truth in a grace-filled way to “seek and to save what was lost” (19:10).   

I’m often asked as a leader, which comes first: presenting truth, or extending grace?  I think it starts with building relationships and understanding people’s stories. Wherever they are on their spiritual journey, the saving gospel message of Jesus holds the power for transformation. 

In I Corinthians 6, the Apostle Paul lays out a list of spiritual wrongdoers- the sexually immoral, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers – kept outside of the kingdom of God.  And then these words “And that is what some of you were.” (Vs 11).  How did they change?  They heard the gospel, were washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we as leaders continue to proclaim the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) through the life and teaching of the Word of God (John 1:1).  

 

About the Author

Brad Cox serves as the Senior Minister for the High Pointe Church in McKinney, Texas. Brad has over 25 years of youth and pulpit ministry experience in Churches of Christ.

He received his Doctorate in Adolescent Development and Family Systems from Fuller Theological Seminary.  Brad has a passion for helping churches to minister effectively to teens, young adults, and young families.

Brad and his wife, Jill, have been married 25 years and have two children: Maggie (18) and Colby (17).