One of my favorite meals to cook is soup. There are so many fabulous combinations that make a delightful, satisfying meal... Sausage Tortellini, Italian Wedding, White Chicken Chili, even Gazpacho. One time I made Gazpacho for 125 people. Talk about a lot of Gazpacho! Soup flows through your whole body, bringing a sense of satisfaction without overeating. Soup brings joy to me as a cook because it allows me to be creative. No soup is ever the same twice. I like that. I like wiggle room to experiment with a touch more basil or a pinch less salt. I like the freedom of soup.
Sometimes my mom says I missed my calling as a psychologist. I love to observe and analyze the interactions of those around me. I love to share my analysis with my husband. Sometimes he says I'm wise; othertimes I'm sure he finds me annoying. What I need more of in my analysis is ... grace. Not that there should be less truth, but the truth and the grace should float in a soup together. A delicious soup seasoned with the fresh herbs of God's word, love, and genuine compassion. Sometimes I concoct a bitter soup, a soup with one main ingredient - truth, maybe a little bit of judgment and a dash of smugness. This soup does not flow across the tongue, down the throat and into the heart to bring grace to the soul. This bitter soup is like an elixir to cure a disease. It may be necessary, but it's not enjoyable, burning all the way down. This liquid may bring restoration to your body, but it does little for restoring relationships.
John tells us "The law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus." Clearly he's noting a distinction between the two covenants. It's almost as if the semi-colon is a chasm, a chasm between law alone and law with grace. What a chasm Jesus has crossed for us. Jesus came to bring truth AND grace. I pray that my words would spread this same soothing salve to those around me.
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