Grace

Gal:5:6

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Paul condemns as the teaching of the need for circumcision creeps into faith. He says - for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. He says - if you value that, then Christ will be of no value to you at all. He says - if you let yourself be circumcised then you are obligated to obey the entire law - you are trying to be justified by law - you have fallen away from grace - the offense of the cross is abolished.

Legalism has no value in a Christian's life. You try to live a holy life in response to your calling. Yes. But do not try to assess your holiness based on your acts. Logicality says so. But your holiness is based on grace. It is based on the righteousness imputed upon you from the ultimate righteousness.

As grace is shown upon you by God, show grace to yourself. Show grace upon others. Keep a check. Yes. But do not judge your faith based on your deeds. It is by Grace that you have been saved

You might be still struggling with a habit - show grace.

You might not see overtly a junior or a church member growing - show grace.

You might be repeatedly telling your brother something; but in vain - show grace.

You might still be in the same crossroads because of the repeated bad choices you made - show grace.

For the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Love yourself more than you condemn yourself. Show grace to others, more than you point fingers upon others.

I do not negate the importance of discipline. As Paul says - beat your body and make it a slave - not to run like a man running aimlessly - not to fight like a man beating the air. But grace is more important.

For it is by Grace that you have been saved through faith.

Image courtesy: https://www.bobyandian.com/bible-topics/the-nature-of-grace

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The halfbaked Bard

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