Chapter 12: Striking the Balance

Balancing Grace and Truth in Counseling

Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). These two qualities must characterize all soul care. Grace without truth deceives, and truth without grace destroys. Together, they reflect the character of Christ and the heart of biblical counseling.

Pastor Chuck Smith’s ministry embodied this balance. He was uncompromising in truth but overflowing in grace. He taught through the Bible verse by verse, exposing sin with clarity yet inviting sinners to the Savior with compassion.

In the counseling room, this same balance is essential. The Ministering Servant must hold the Word firmly and extend mercy freely. Grace opens the door to repentance; truth leads to transformation. The Disciple in Care experiences both conviction and comfort.

At the Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Biblical Counselors, we teach that balance is not found in compromise but in Christ Himself. As Psalm 85:10 declares, “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” The cross is the ultimate expression of that unity—God’s justice satisfied and His mercy extended.

Bob Hoekstra described it this way: “Grace is God giving what we don’t deserve; truth is God revealing who He is. Both are necessary for growth.”

When counselors operate in that divine balance, people experience the heart of Jesus. They learn that God’s commands are not burdensome and His forgiveness is not conditional. They discover that truth and grace are not two separate paths—they are one Person, Jesus Christ.

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

John 1:17