TRUSTING IN GRACE

 

March 20, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme Verse

Mark 8:34-35

“Whoever wants to be my disciple 

must deny themselves 

and take up their cross and follow me.”

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Matthew 5:17-19

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of trying to live a good life? Sometimes we think we have to get everything perfect, to be acceptable to God. I know I did. I was very aware of my imperfections, and trying to manage those imperfections, with God's law created for me a helplessness and hopelessness. How could I ever be acceptable to God! Does that sound familiar to any of you? I remember reading the words of Reformer Martin Luther about keeping the law. He said that he in terms of the law he dotted every "i" and "crossed every "t" but instead of feeling closer to God he felt farther away. What if God’s way is more about trust than perfection? Luther, himself, would embrace the biblical teaching that the "just shall live by faith". The apostle Paul in Romans 1:17 put it like this: "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last." 

In Matthew 5, Jesus explains that He didn’t come to erase God’s teachings but to complete them most beautifully. His life was the perfect example of love and faithfulness, showing us what it looks like to live in harmony with God’s heart. Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder or being perfect—it’s about trusting Him to guide us and letting His love shape how we live. His way is gentle and freeing, inviting us to walk humbly with Him and find rest in knowing we’re never alone in the journey. That is the gift of grace.

Our take away today is to ask yourself the question "where am I trying to be perfect, instead of trusting God?" 

Now, Ask God to help you rest in His grace and follow His way with joy and humility. The outcome will take the pressure off us as we faithfully follow.