These Three Words

What are the most impactful words you’ve ever heard? Is it the words, “I love you! I’m there for you! Good job! I’m proud of you! You’re beautiful! That was so good! That was wonderful!”

We live in a world full of ‘clicks’ where we say and do and hope to hear words that attract others’ attention, feelings of happiness, and a life of fulfillment.

Here’s the problem. Words are just that; words. This ‘click bait’ society speaks in blended verbiage of some narrative to draw in its readers. It’s the element of shock and awe. To be captivated by the story and give permission to feel a certain way without having all of the details.

It’s terms like ‘fake news’ and ‘fact checking’ and ‘unfounded’ and ‘verified’ that give us a clearer or blurrier picture of the story being told. It’s everyone’s attempt to be heard and gain followers.

Here’s what happens in the social media landscape gone wrong; reality becomes a distortion of what’s true, the craving of ‘likes’ sacrifices loyalty and commitment, the gavel of judgment is never lifted for second chances.

I believe these three words are key factors for the social fabric of our world to be properly woven together to provide a happy, healthy, hopeful society.

Truth
Until this word is properly defined and applied we will continue to live in a world full of social miscues. There must be unanimous agreement that objective truth exists. The current ‘truth’ dilemma revolves around these ideas; moralism, subjectivism, and relativism. These ideas maintain a course of action that gives permission for some stated ‘truth’ to change or be applied based on circumstance.

Various civil societies prescribe their own set of truth values that aren’t always aligned across social, political, and ethnic lines. Here are a few examples–abortion, racial injustice, gender identity, homosexuality, climate change, gun rights, religious liberties, and healthcare. These are issues that we assign truth values for that separate and divide ourselves among others.

Is my view verified? Is it limited in scope? Is it subject to change on the basis of circumstances? Social issues can often be ‘gray’ areas that should welcome discussion but require informed decision making.

My angle on this word truth is propelled by faith but solidified by experience. Let me explain. The pinnacle of truth, for me, is the belief in a Creator and divine order as described in the Christian Bible. I believe the details of the Bible provide historical and scientific evidence for a basis of truth on which those words may stand.

I believe the Creator of the Bible is not merely a Sovereign Power above some created universe, but I believe He exists among the people He formed. He is intricately and specifically involved in the affairs of man. I believe social disorder and unrest exists in the form of sin, but I also believe He has ultimately remedied this chaos in the form of salvation.

Objective truth is not subjected to my own experience but rather on the unquestionable character and nature of the God of this truth. I believe all truth will be tried and verified, and the truth of the existence of God (Father, Son, Spirit) as Sovereign King, Atoning Sacrifice, and Eternal Father will eventually be made fully known.

Love
This word Love is no easy task to define. Just listen to the way society uses this word. We love our pets, our favorite restaurants, our favorite times of year, our favorite sports teams, and the list goes on. Goodness, we even love a handful of almonds or a snickerdoodle cookie. Yet we also use this same word to describe our affection for parents, spouses, children, and even God.

What is love? Simply, love is a combination of attitude, affection, and action that places an emphasis on the well being of another. Love is more than a feeling, though there is an emotional appeal. Love is more than a state of mind, though it does impact a person’s will. Love is more than just a good deed, though it does involve sacrificial acts.

Love expresses gentleness and kindness and patience. Love requires sacrifice. Love exhibits passion. Love manifests loyalty and commitment. Love sometimes requires correction and discipline of certain behaviors. Love does not hold grudges or harbor ill will toward others. Love doesn’t become envious or jealous of others.

Jesus practiced extravagant love. He was kind and compassionate. Listened intently to others. Met people where they were. Comforted the broken. Celebrated others’ accomplishments. Showed emphatic love for His own Father and even for the fatherless. He was patient with those slow to understand. He exhibited the ultimate sacrifice of love not only by dying to self but offering Himself up for us.

Grace
This word grace is simply a gift. Who doesn’t like a gift? In a judgmental-obsessed, condemnation-crazed world we could all use an extra dose of grace. We live in an entitled world where everyone feels owed something. We’re owed respect instead of earning it. We’re owed money from the government instead of earning it. And it becomes a balancing act between sowing and reaping and receiving a gift as an act of grace with no basis of our own doing.

Here’s where the concept of grace really shows up; in a world of second chances. It’s so easy to write someone off when their guilt has been exploited for a watching world to see. Verdict: guilty. Sentenced and condemned. But in an act of grace, new life and new opportunities have been afforded for the once guilty party to have a chance to begin again. Unfair, absolutely, but this is unquestionably at the heart of a God who sees, knows, yet longs for us to be with Him.

We’ve all heard the statement, “Just give them the benefit of the doubt.” This is but one example of grace. Perhaps the person was in error. Maybe not. But what if there’s no question about their guilt? Their wrongdoing. The pain they’ve caused. The disruption to life they’ve brought. Could we consider this option; could we give them the benefit when there’s no doubt they don’t deserve it? That’s on a totally different level of grace. But that’s exactly what Jesus would do!

Here’s what grace does; it gives people a chance to change. It’s an opportunity for growth. Sometimes they’ll take it. Other times they’ll squander it. But what does it say about the individual who’s willing to take the risk, walk out on a limb, and extend a hand to others and offer them another chance? God knows how thankful I am for those who’ve been willing to take another chance on me!

Truth, love, and grace! Do we need truth? Absolutely! We need an objective standard with no variance so everyone is measured the same. Is love necessary? You bet. It’s an unwavering commitment to provide the best for self and others on the basis of God’s love for us. Is grace for everybody? For the worst! We all could use a second chance to change!