RELATIONSHIP OVER RELIGION

Religion is the belief that once we do wrong aka sin we will be punished while relationship allows each person to seek the Lord and establish a personal connection to the Lord Jesus. Because of our relationship with Christ, He has made us right in His sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:7

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law, we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:20

"What you sow into is what you become." Emmanuel Adewusi

For so many years I felt convicted about every little thing I would do, if it was right or wrong, what others would say and I would stay far away from the church, my pastor or any Christian who I thought would judge me.

My view of the Lord was from the position of fear with no surety of His love.

Fear causes a person to lose courage and have anxiety. I would be so afraid of this "God" that I would hide in my mess. My mess was living IN sin. That is so crazy, I would run from God because I did not feel clean but got dirtier because in my flesh I could not make myself clean. I absolutely love the scripture that says God saved us by His grace when we believed. And there is no way we can take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT) Isn't it great to know that no matter how much we do, say or give it won't change who God is to us or what He will do for us (once you are saved)?

Understanding God's mercy and grace give us a realization of God's love and patience toward us. To whom much is given much is required (Luke 12:48) As we grow in our faith more will be expected of us like anything else (like a job or children there are also expectations).

By grace which is the strength, power, love or energy from the Lord we are able to live a Christian life. Knowing this changed the trajectory of my life and even my personal relationships.

Sin

Sin: The Pharisees and Sadducees' mentality

This group of people were always judging and waiting on Jesus to make a mistake or go against the law. There was this lady caught in adultery she was brought to Jesus in the midst of people to be humiliated and condemned. They said to Jesus well look at this lady who is filled with sin and was not following the Law that Moses has given, shouldn't she be stoned? What is so crazy is how instead of Jesus getting annoying, rude or insulting he bent down and started scribbling in the dirt, ignoring them. Could you imagine talking to someone and instead of responding back to you they start writing in the dirt but after some time Jesus asked 'if anyone of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her? ' Wouldn't that make you straighten up? You are no better than she is how can you judge her as if you have never sinned. Jesus showed her mercy allowing her to leave without condemning her 'if no one else has condemned you nor do I but do no longer live your life in sin'. John 8:1-11

This kind of mentality is very judgemental and quick to crucify.

Have you ever thought about how many people have been healed during Jesus' ministry? Just imagine it has been said that Jesus healed at least 37 people during His three-year tenor but people in the end still voted for Jesus to be crucified. Sin and the point of view of condemnation believe we can decide who is right and wrong and living by rules will allow us to reap results.

Maybe you don't believe me just yet, let me share another story with you. Jesus was arrested but what did He do that warranted Him to be arrested? He was helping people, teaching and sharing the gospel. The officer that came to receive Jesus came with swords as if Jesus was a criminal. I love the way Jesus dealt with people (lovingly, peacefully and gently), even when they came to harm Him. Jesus said to them "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?" Then everyone deserted Him and fled. Mark 14:43-51

One day I was with a friend and we were at an intersection waiting for the red light to change, within minutes there were officers surrounding our vehicle with guns and directed to our vehicle. An officer spoke through the speakers asking for us to put our hands up and get out of the vehicle. This is one of the scariest moments in my life but when we got out of the vehicle they quickly realized that we were not who they were looking for. Just as quickly the officers came they left without a sorry or any word of comfort. Imagine how Jesus felt coming into a sinful world to save the world from themselves, but yet to die by the same people He came to save. Isn't that sad?

Sin within itself is disobeying God but He has given us the grace to make mistakes and return to Him.

God’s grace is abundant. There is no end to the goodness, mercy, love, healing, forgiveness, and countless other ways he pours out his blessings on His people. Through the endless reserves of God’s grace, he enriches our lives and unites us together in his family, the body of Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Sin: Guilt and Condemnation

Guilt is the responsibility of doing something against the law and condemnation is strong disapproval, toward yourself or others. Guilt and condemnation is the association with the mentality that I spoke about prior which is very judgemental and crucifies someone with no forgiveness. Guilt and condemnation are also associated with pride. Although pride is the opposite of guilt, pride allows a person to find satisfaction in their actions, not seeking help even when it is needed.

Judas was a friend of Jesus but betrayed Him for some money. Jesus got arrested went to court, flogged, whipped and mocked then Judas realized what he had done and took the money back to the priests and elders who did not care. Judas was so filled with guilt and condemnation he hanged himself. He could no longer live with what he had done.

Jesus came into this world to take that guilt away. If Judas had asked for forgiveness he would have been forgiven. Nothing we can do will stop God from forgiving us, although there are consequences here on earth for our actions. God places it in the heart of others to then have mercy on us.

Judas thought the justification for his sin was worth his death.

Today, the Lord wants you to choose relationship over religion which is grace over sin or grace when we have sinned. Religion counts our wrongs and believes we must do something to be right in God's sight while relationship allows us to run to the Lord when we do not or cannot in our own strength achieve the things we desire. During the time of Moses, they lived by the law and went to the priest who would go to God on behalf of the people, the way Moses went to God on behalf of the Israelites. When Jesus came he allowed each person to be able to pray for themselves, teaching love, accountability and patience with each other and toward yourself. Guilt and condemnation will pull you away from God while grace draws you closer.

#relationshipoverreligion #graceoverguilt #guiltandcondemnation #lifeingrace