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  • Balancing truth and grace in your interactions is essential to reflect the heart of Jesus and build genuine relationships. The sermon highlights that Jesus himself embodied this perfect balance—speaking truth with love, even when it was difficult, and showing grace to those who needed it most. Stephen exemplified this when he boldly confronted the religious leaders with the truth about their rejection of God's prophets and their own sins, yet he did so with compassion, praying for their forgiveness as they stoned him ([50:09]).

    To practice this balance, remember that truth without grace can come across as moralism or judgment, which pushes people away. Conversely, grace without truth can lead to sentimentalism that lacks power to change hearts. The key is to speak both—truth and grace—simultaneously, just as Stephen did, even in the face of opposition ([48:13]).

    Additionally, the sermon emphasizes that our words and actions should be motivated by love, seeking to serve others rather than judge or condemn. When we approach others with humility, listening and directly addressing issues rather than gossiping or assuming motives, we foster unity and trust ([20:59]).

    Finally, remember that our ultimate example is Jesus, who, despite being the King of kings, humbled himself to serve and sacrifice for us. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and his love, we are empowered to speak the truth in love, embody grace, and serve others faithfully ([51:42]).

    In summary, balance truth and grace by:
    - Speaking truth with love, even when it’s difficult ([50:09])
    - Approaching others with humility and avoiding judgment ([20:59])
    - Prioritizing service and love in all interactions ([48:13])
    - Keeping our eyes on Jesus, who perfectly modeled this balance ([51:42])

    May God help us to reflect His grace and truth in all our relationships.