Why we need truth and grace in political advocacy

As we have been remembering the birth of Jesus at this time of year, I want to reflect in this column on one key verse. The verse in my mind is John 1v14, which in the Christian Standard Bible translation reads: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

In this single verse, the beloved apostle John reminds us that the pre-existent Word, the logos, or ultimate explanation of all things came to this world and tabernacled, or dwelt, among men and women. Just let the wonder of this sink in for a minute or two! The eternal Son of God, by whom and for whom all things were made, conceived in the womb of Mary, by the Holy Spirit, came willingly to this sin-sick world.

When John wrote these words, he lived at a time when the ancient world was filled with philosophies and religions which sought after the ultimate purpose – the Logos – of all things. Today, people are searching again for meaning to their lives. They want to know why they are here and what life is for.

In one sentence, John tells us that the reason for all things is found, not in a philosophy, or way of life, but in a person. And not just any person. The most stunningly beautiful character who ever lived and breathed on this earth. For as you know, the Word is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

John then says we have observed His glory. He, John, along with the other apostles and disciples, lived with Jesus. They walked and talked with Him. Yet Isaiah 53 says there was nothing in His appearance that was good to look at. Rather, His glory lay in how He revealed God the Father to us. For He was the exact representation of His being. In Jesus, they saw the Father’s love, compassion, mercy and power!

He came from the Father, fulfilling His great role in the covenant of redemption to be the redeemer and mediator for His people. In The Glory of Christ, John Owen reminds us that beholding Christ’s glory now by faith is our highest privilege as a believer. We observe how He fulfils the Old Testament prophecies and promises. Here is great David’s greater Son! Here is the seed of the woman, born to crush the serpent’s head. Here is our Prophet, Priest and King, who teaches us, represents us to God, and who has authority over us.

And then, John adds, He came “full of grace and truth”. What a wonderful description of our Saviour! He was filled with grace because He did not treat His enemies – us! – as we deserved to be treated, but lived and died for us. He is the One who prayed that the Father would forgive His own murderers.

And He was filled with truth. He was the living embodiment of truth! He fulfilled the word of God, loved God’s word, lived obediently by it by keeping the law of God in every possible respect. His whole life was one of total obedience, both actively and passively in His keeping of the law and satisfying the wrath of God against our sin.

This wonderful combination of truth and grace is also our roadmap for living for Jesus today. And let me apply this specifically to politics. Truth and grace is how we must do political advocacy. In our emails, meetings and dialogue with our MPs, we must speak truth, but do so with grace.

Some call this the "third way". But in all honestly, it is the only way. We hold on to the truth, and advocate for those more vulnerable than ourselves. But we do so with grace, love and respect, never demonising others or opponents, but treating them with the same grace that Jesus has so lavished on us.