“We are not set right with God by rule-keeping, but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 2:16 (MSG)
I used to struggle with legalism and trying to earn salvation by following all the rules and being good. I only served the Lord out of fear of punishment and Hell. I lived a life of trying to walk a tightrope of obedience - do this, do that, don't do this, don't do that. But God is love (John 4:8), love is not merely something He does but the very essence of His being. Since God is love and love is described in 1 Corinthians 13 as being patient, kind, not envious, not prideful, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily provoked, thinking no evil, and never failing…that’s actually describing who He is! The true motive of Jesus leaving the splendor of Heaven was out of love. He is not willing that any human created in His image should perish but that everyone turn to Him (I Peter 2:9). No one can please God by self-improvement or rule keeping. It is only by believing in Jesus as your Savior that you are made righteous. We can never be good enough on our own, so what would even be the point of trying? Jesus wants you, your time and talents, and most of all, your heart. He wants to be the center of your focus, your reason for breathing. When you serve the Lord because you love Him, instead of out of fear, following Him becomes a joy. He loves you with an everlasting love because He is love, and He only wants you to love Him back. It's all about relationshipLove is…
Jesus is a present from God
Jesus is strong like an iron rod
Jesus is patient and knows what is best
Jesus will pull you through when you’re put to the test
Jesus knows no limits such as distance or time
Jesus will keep loving no matter the crime
Jesus doesn’t focus on all of the bad
Jesus cheers you up when you are sad
Jesus is there when others betray
Jesus is the only friend that will stay.
