God’s people are called to live in the balance of both truth and love. When truth is abandoned, love becomes nothing more than sentiment—kind words without strength, compassion without clarity. On the other hand, truth without love becomes cruelty—harsh words without warmth, correction without care. Together, truth and love reflect the very heart of God.

Together, truth and love reflect the very heart of God.

Romans 11 reminds us to “behold the kindness and severity of God.” He is merciful, and He is holy. He forgives freely, but He also judges righteously. Parents who truly love their children do not allow them to play in the street or touch a hot stove. They comfort, but they also correct. God is the same. His love does not cancel His holiness. His holiness does not diminish His love.

Overcomers understand this balance and seek to walk in it. They do not bend truth just to avoid offending others, nor do they wield truth like a weapon to prove a point. They hold firmly to God’s standard while showing compassion to those who are struggling. They know that real love warns as well as embraces, and real truth always points toward hope.

Love all people, because every person bears the image of God.

Love all people, because every person bears the image of God. But do not love all ideas, because not every idea comes from Him. That is the balance of an overcomer—clinging to truth with conviction while extending love with grace. It is this union of truth and love that displays Christ to the world.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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