We have a phrase we often say around here: “Grace without truth isn’t love.” Many people are afraid of coming to God because they’re afraid of hearing the truth about themselves. But because of his grace, you don’t have to be afraid of the truth.

Just like the Samaritan woman we meet in John 4, we need both grace and truth. If we truly open our hearts to the truth of God, there is nowhere to hide. He will leave no stone unturned. When we embrace his words and his ways, we can reckon with the truth about ourselves. For many of us that’s terrifying, but this truth is a liberating gift. It’s one thing to receive the gift of truth from someone who loves you. It’s even better to receive truth from someone who loves you, understands you, and gave his life for you – and that’s Jesus. You don’t just need grace. You need Jesus.

Other texts in this message: 1 John 4:18, John 8:31-32, Hebrews 4:12-16