Values Quotes – Randy Alcorn on Balance

Todays quote is from Randy Alcorn, an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction Christian books, and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.

A thought-provoking quote from Alcorn is:
“Countless mistakes in marriage, parenting, ministry, and other relationships are failures to balance grace and truth. Sometimes we neglect both. Often we choose one over the other.”

There’s some solid wisdom. Many of our mistakes in relationships can be attributed to us being out of balance.

As a differentiating value, Balance means a state of equilibrium; poise; or equality of distribution.

Regarding our relationships, Alcorn provides the two measures we can use to maintain balance: grace and truth. But how does one maintain equilibrium between these two measures?

The first piece of advice offered is to not neglect them. Speaking the truth in love is important. It’s a key ingredient to resolving conflicts. But being willing to forgive, offering grace, is equally important to preserve any relationship.

The second piece of advice Alcorn offers is to not choose one over the other. All truth and no grace can be hard to take. It can feel like you’re demanding perfection. But all grace and no truth, and there is no learning or growth.

What a different world it would be for us if we kept all our relationships in balance between grace and truth.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Confidence-Courage” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.