Grace and Truth: A Civic Balance We Need

In Arkansas, we know the value of faith, family, and fairness. We are a state shaped by strong convictions and deep compassion—qualities that define not only our communities but the kind of leadership we need. As I run to represent District 16, I’m committed to a centrist path—one that doesn’t swing with political winds, but is rooted in something deeper: the balance of grace and truth.

In the Gospel of John, we read that Christ came “full of grace and truth.” Not one at the expense of the other—but both, in perfect balance. It’s a powerful model not just for faith, but for how we engage with one another in civic life.

In today’s politics, it sometimes seems like these two values have been split: the left often elevates grace—empathy, inclusion, and a passion for reform. The right often emphasizes truth—principles, order, and accountability. Of course, this is a simplification. There is grace and truth on both sides. You’ll find people of deep conviction and compassion across the political spectrum. But culturally, we often express these values differently—and that difference can feel like division.

Yet truth without grace can become rigid and unfeeling. And grace without truth can lose its grounding.

What we need isn’t one or the other. We need both—held together in tension, working in harmony. When truth is spoken with grace, it builds trust. When grace is guided by truth, it leads to justice.

Our nation—and our state—need that balance again. Not to win arguments, but to serve people. Not to defeat one another, but to build something stronger, together. In Arkansas, we don’t have time for performative politics or partisan extremes. We need leaders who reflect our values and respect our voices—who seek solutions rooted in grace and truth. That’s the kind of senator I intend to be.

Let’s rise above division and build a future grounded in both conviction and compassion. That’s how we honor Arkansas. That’s how we lead—together.

Joshua Irby

State Senate – District 16

Paid for by Joshua Irby