we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:16)
Is this the point to this life summed by obeying a set of rules from a divine power or is it about understanding that God loves us?
This is struggle happens in every age and indeed every person.
“Did I go too far this time and break God’s love with my grasp at personal freedom?” “Does my salvation depend upon my doing good unto others since I have been taught that there will be a final reckoning?”
There are more questions than these and each can be shown scripture passages that point out their question is of tremendous importance. We could even draw the conclusion that our personal question is THE question based on our reading of a few passages.
That’s the problem with such an approach. Reading only a few passages. Those who follow Jesus must not be reductionistic about how they interpret and live their lives. One’s life should be a combination of obedience (law), interpretation (prophets) and faith (Jesus).
Is this easy? No. Can it be done? Yes.
I must start with love that has delivered me (grace through Jesus) and then I use this day to show that this has become everything to me (law and prophets).
Will I get it right all the time? Probably not. This is why I cannot do this life thing on my own, but I need other followers (the Church) to help me with understanding and accountability.
What does this look like today?
My words and the tone that I use matter. I cannot ignore how I come across to others. I do not want to be a stumbling block to those around me who need to hear about the love that God has for them.
Lord, help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and assist me in asking for forgiveness when I need to reconcile so that your love may be see and received by all. AMEN.
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 