Passionate Grace

Ephesians 4:15–25

Let’s look at the difference between a heart that’s just following rules and a heart that’s been completely changed by God’s touch. This kind of change gives us a new way to understand and live out truth, going beyond just being honest. It involves speaking the truth in a loving way and having a heart that has been changed by God’s power.

1. The problem of truth

Many people in New York City find the idea of truth tricky to grasp. But truth is a core part of human life and we can’t just ignore it. The real challenge is how we interact with truth and how it can affect our relationships with others. A change of heart can help us deal with this, letting us grow and empower ourselves by speaking the truth in a loving way.

2. The encounter with truth

Truth can change us, but often we resist it. To truly understand it, we need a personal encounter with Jesus. Jesus’ story, like an amazing adventure tale, can help shape us and guide us towards honesty. There are two ways to get there: following moral rules or drawing inspiration from Jesus’ story. Understanding Jesus’ love and sacrifice can remove fear and pride, helping us to change our character and live a life of truth.

3. The practice of truth

Being a person of truth, as made possible by Jesus’ story, involves accepting the truth about ourselves, being open to criticism, and not being afraid of the truth. Knowing and experiencing Jesus’ love and acceptance helps us to think flexibly, act with integrity, and passionately pursue truth. When we live in this truth, we can admit when we’re wrong, keep our promises, and be consistent in how we act. This leads to a life of comfort, peace, and integrity, just like Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.