Brad Wilcox, continuing from a previous post, Merits, Mercy and Grace II
Louisa was soon reunited with George, and the family made their way west. Because of Louisa and George and other ancestors like them, I have been blessed with the restored gospel they treasured and for which they sacrificed. In Louisa’s home she had learned of Christ’s merits and mercy, but it was only when she encountered His grace that she was changed. Like Louisa, we don’t have to settle for less. We can choose “a more excellent way”(Ether 12:11).
In 2 Nephi 2:6 we read, “Redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.” The phrase, grace and truth, is important enough that it is found in all standard works (see John 1:4; D&C 93:11; Moses 1:32). Like other words we’ve examined thus far, these also have great meaning—especially when they are coupled together.
Because Christ is full of truth, He saw that Louisa could become more than she was. He knew what her choices would mean to her posterity. He also sees us as we really are and as we really can be (see Jacob 4:13). He sees worth when we see worthlessness. He sees potential when we see limitations.
Because Christ is full of grace, He can share His vision with us and engage with us in reaching our potential. He helped Louisa see that her life could be more meaningful than she ever dreamed, and He helped her make the needed sacrifices.The Lord is willing to do the same for us. Because Christ is full of truth, He knows the greatness written in our spiritual DNA. Because He is full of grace, he can unlock it as we turn to Him.
Each December our family enjoys pulling out the holiday dishes commemorating the twelve days of Christmas. Whether we sing about calling birds or colly birds, it makes little difference. However, our understanding of grace makes a big difference. It helps us avoid doctrinal extremes and, just as it did for Louisa, it help us to desire to change and draw close to the Savior who “is full of grace and truth” (2 Nephi 2:6), a Savior who chose to become like us so that we could choose to become like Him. ~Brad Wilcox, Changed Through Grace (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2017), 35-38 Dwarsligger edition
