Hello!

Hi, I'm Rzuo!
I'm on a journey of faith, learning, and personal growth. I love exploring scripture and deepening my understanding of God's word while also studying history, Mythology, and different perspectives to gain wisdom. My faith shapes how I approach life - with curiosity, reflection, and a desire to seek truth. I believe in meaningful conversations, personal transformation, and living with purpose. Excited to connect with like-minded people and grow together in faith!

I want to leave a poll on my post to help me engage with people.

Welcome, Rzuo!

What a treat to see someone who is posting polls! And you are right in that they can be very helpful in getting people to interact.

I would have probably chosen everything on the list, but since one choice was allowed, I chose balance because it's probably the thing I struggle with most -- though of course, I have to ask God regularly for help in all the other areas you keenly pointed out as well.

Thank you for this thought-provoking thread!

I really resonate with that. Balancing grace and truth is something I think about often. I didn't grow up in a Christian home but my wife is a Christian, and through her, I've started exploring faith more deeply. I've been reading the bible trying to understand the bigger picture of faith, history and human nature. It's a challenge to hold onto truth while also showing grace, especially when discussing faith with those who don't share the same beliefs. Do you find that balance difficult in conversations with others, or is it more of a personal challenge in your own walk?

You're asking great questions, and thank you for sharing your experiences!

I find that balance is probably my most challenging part of most everything in life. Did I spend enough time reading the Bible today? Did I say just enough, but not enough to overwhelm the person, when trying to be an effective witness for God in that conversation I had yesterday and keep playing out in my head?

Am I being too judgmental and not understanding enough?

Am I being too understanding and not laying down enough of the law?

And so it goes... In every aspect of life, from food to budgeting to time, work, and relationships, each and every day.

But, I also trust that God is leading me and hopefully I'm learning a little something every day.

Kudos to you for showing yourself worthy by studying and actively administering God's Word to your life!

I really hope you'll find this community helpful.

Welcome, Rzuo.

I voted for "Finding a strong Christian Community" because I have never come even remotely close to finding the same. Instead, I have always had but a handful of Christian friends in real life, and I am thankful that I have at least that.

Regarding "Balancing grace and truth in daily life," I did struggle with that early on in my Christian walk, but that has not been an issue for me for many years now. Verses like these helped me to resolve that issue a long time ago.

Jhn 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Jhn 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

When it comes to grace and truth, and the proper relationship between the two, we need not look any further than to Christ himself because he is the embodiment of the two.

When it comes to grace, he said that God did not send him to condemn the world, but rather that the world might be saved through faith in him. so his motives were always pure in that regard.

When it comes to truth, he never sugarcoated anything. Instead, he regularly laid the axe to the root, or he regularly directly confronted the sins of the people who he was seeking to save.

If our motives are similarly pure, then we need not ever be afraid of speaking directly to the roots of peoples' problems, and, of course, we need to apply this principle to our own lives first and foremost.

Along these same lines, the Bible says that "God is love" (1 John 4:8). If we get the full overview of who God is by studying the entirety of scripture, then we will also get the full overview of what love is because God is love. In other words, love is not always "kind" in the manner in which many people interpret "kindness." Instead, it is often corrective in nature, and that truly represents the "kindness" of God who is not willing that any should perish. To this point, I would highly recommend that everyone familiarize themselves with Psalm 107 which ends with this verse:

Psa 107:43
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

If one takes the time to read the preceding 42 verses of this psalm, or if one takes the time to "observe these things," then they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD, and there are a lot of corrective measures which were employed by God throughout history in those verses.

I really appreciate your insights, especially on how Christ Himself is the perfect example of balancing grace and truth. It’s easy to lean too far in one direction, either being too lenient and afraid to speak truth, or being so direct that grace is lost. But as you pointed out, Jesus didn’t soften the truth to make it more palatable, yet His purpose was always to save, not condemn. That’s such a powerful distinction.

Psalm 107 is a great passage to reflect on. I love how it repeatedly shows God’s mercy in the face of human failings, how time and time again, people cry out to Him, and He delivers them, but also disciplines them when needed. That last verse, ‘Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD’ (Psalm 107:43), really brings the whole message together. The lovingkindness of God isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about correction, guiding us back to Him when we stray.

I can definitely relate to what you said about Christian community, too. Coming from an atheist family, I never really had that foundation of faith growing up, and for a long time, I didn’t understand what it meant to have a strong Christian community. But my wife, who is a Christian, has been an incredible support in helping me see the importance of faith and the role community plays in it. Even though I’m still searching for my own faith and understanding, I’ve come to see how vital it is to have others to walk alongside you, encourage you, and challenge you in that journey. It’s not something meant to be done alone.

Thank you for your response!

Why is there a need for balance between grace and truth?

This seems to imply there can be too much of one or the other?

I think grace and truth go hand in hand in our lives and relationships. If we lean too much on grace without truth, we can end up avoiding hard conversations, excusing sin, or failing to challenge people to grow. But if we go too far the other way, truth without grace, we can come across as harsh, legalistic, and unapproachable. We might be speaking truth, but if it’s not done in love, it can end up pushing people away instead of bringing them closer to God.

Jesus was the perfect example of getting this balance right. He was ‘full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14). He welcomed sinners with love and mercy, but He never watered down the truth. He forgave the woman caught in adultery, but He also told her, ‘Go and sin no more’ (John 8:11). He ate with tax collectors and sinners, but He also called them to repentance. He didn’t just accept people as they were, He loved them enough to call them to something greater.

That’s the challenge for us, too. We’re called to love people unconditionally, but also to stand firm in truth. If we lose sight of either one, we risk misrepresenting who Jesus is and what the Gospel is really about.

Sorry there is no need for balance .... that does not compute with me.

I think this creates a problem where we have a dichotomy between grace (love) and truth, in Jesus they were both fully present.

I will go with this
Love (grace) supports truth.
No need to divide so that then it has be balanced.

I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate your perspective.

I just see grace and truth as inseparable rather than something to balance. Jesus didn’t shift between the two. His truth was always loving, and His grace was always truthful. When He forgave, He also called people to change. To me, it’s not about finding the right mix but fully living out both, just as He did.

Anybody who knows me knows that I am definitely not the type to flatter. That said, in the little that you have posted on this forum thus far, I believe that you have shown great understanding when it comes to Christ and the Christian faith.

May I ask why you are still searching for your own faith?

Is there something specific that is holding you back from fully embracing Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I guess I interpret grace as being part of how we approach telling someone the truth.

I have this saying, and we see it a lot in real life and online, where people seem to approach the truth like this:

Let's say your beloved father has been ill in the hospital, and he just passed away.

Doctor #1's Method:

1. "Welp, your old man just kicked the bucket. I mean, it was like, Poof! And he was gone! It was good timing, because if he'd held on any longer, it would have been an even worse hell for him! Now, I've got a golf game in half an hour, so this is the last time I'll be seeing you."

(I know this is a gross exaggeration -- but I think we've all run into people, including in the medical field -- who convey information in pretty much this exact way, even if it's filled with truth.)

Doctor #2's Method:

2. He comes out with a deep look of sorrow and a sincere handshake or hug, saying, "I'm so sorry, but your father has passed on to his heavenly home. He did so with dignity and quiet peace. I know it's been a really tough time for you and your family. My staff and I are here for you -- please reach out to us if you have any questions or if we can help in any way."

And the most ironic thing is that most people who act like Doctor #1 in the first example can't handle someone being the same way to them, but instead, insist on being entitled to everyone treating them like Doctor #1 instead.


I often encounter situations in life where I know the facts, but I pray a lot about how to present them: "Lord, should I be like Doctor #1, or Doctor #2? Or maybe a bit of both?"

Every situation and individual is different, so this is where I really have to ask God for extra help on how to respond to each unique situation.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my messages and ask about my faith.

I’m not someone who is easily convinced, but not because I refuse to believe—I just need to fully understand something before I can embrace it. I love seeking knowledge and diving deep into things, but that also means I struggle to accept concepts I still have questions about. And with faith, there are always more questions.

I didn’t grow up with Christianity. My upbringing was completely atheist, so accepting faith isn’t as simple for me as it might be for someone raised in it. It feels like I’m trying to build something from the ground up, and at times, that makes it difficult.

At the same time, I love my wife with all my heart, and I want to connect with her on a deeper level in her faith. I also want my future children to have the best possible foundation to follow the Lord. There is no greater gift I could give them than the presence of God in their lives.

I study not just Christianity, but also the Quran and mythology, because I want to understand life as fully as I can. And yet, with all this knowledge in hand, every road I take seems to lead me back to Christianity. That’s why I’m here—to seek, to learn, and hopefully, to come closer to God.

I feel close. And yet, I still feel far away.

I want to feel His love so badly.

When Jesus called for change it was ultimately to set them free, love wants the best for people.

Post #8 had a different slant but I guess we agree then.

Precious friend, you have some great posts; hopefully praying this article will be Very
Helpful on your journey of faith:

God's Undiluted Wrath And Undiluted Grace

Amen.

It is there for the taking.

Jhn 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jhn 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jhn 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Rom 5:6
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Rom 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Isa 53:1
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Isa 53:2
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Isa 53:3
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Isa 53:8
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Isa 53:9
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Isa 53:10
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isa 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Isa 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Rom 10:6
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above)
Rom 10:7
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead)
Rom 10:8
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Transformation through practice, mainly the principles of life, and
love is our greatest resource.

Very true. We are gregarious like sheep. Christ is the Good Shepherd, and His sheep flock together, graze together, and stay together. If we were to remain solitary creatures, we would be likened to some other animal.

Being somewhat introverted, I have to hold to that illustration at almost every turn

Welcome, Rzuo!

Takes courage to start off with a poll, good job in getting the ball rollin' welcome! I deal with the grace and truth balance a lot esp on FB. Many are secular and esp when topics come up re anti-semitism and atheistic rants things can get combative, so I usually have to reword my response to relate in a kind manner, lol. Since I'm representing Jesus even more so. Good to have you joining us Rzuo, God bless you and yours✝✡

John 1:14 + 17