An eye for an eye.
It feels like it’s been built into the fabric of our being. When things aren’t equal and balanced, an internal sensor alerts us that we are giving too much and receiving little in return. The trouble with condition-based living is that we serve a no-conditions God.
Our pride or our past might have us stuck believing we have to earn grace and good standing with God. We might feel like we have to justify His mercy with merits and good works.
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”(Hebrews 10:16-17 ESV)
Here is an unconditional Truth we must reconcile within our hearts:
God sacrificed his son, Jesus, on the cross to pardon our sins. He didn’t wait for us to jump through hoops or hold us accountable to conditions before He wiped our slate of transgressions clean.
Our gracious God gave His Son, and then He gave some more. When we accept this kind of lavish love from a giving God, we don’t have to strain to be perfect or cringe at perceived conditions. When we accept what Jesus has done for us, we are free to allow others to be who they were created to be. No conditions attached.
Often our relationships on earth are a direct reflection of our relationship with God. Let’s examine our hearts for a conditions-based mindset with others. Are there any activities or groups you’re a part of because you feel it’s earning you more salvation points with God?
Father, I admit sometimes I try to earn my salvation and favorable circumstances with my giving and good works. I confess that I even treat others with this same condition-based logic. Realign my mind and heart with Your truth, God. Help me accept that You gave once and for all without conditions so I can be fully who You’ve called me to be. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.
First Published on Beloved Women
I am dealing with physical and grief issues. I hurt my back and got diabetes. My wife and i are seperated with no chance of reconciliation. She is now seeing the guy she said she wanted nothing to do with my son died in a car crash on memorial day this year. And i am afraid of losing my job. Because of my 2 herniated disk in my back. I often pray for others. I have been looking for a church to get baptised at. Become a member. It is kinda rough with the covid thing going on. Well there it is i am alone and kinda scared. I need some prayers. I pray for myself. And God does help me find answers.
Paul, I’m so sorry to hear about the grief you are under, and the physical ailments plaguing you. I know God sees you. I know He is there with you, whether His presence is manifested in ways you can see and understand or not. I am praying for you, and I’m rooting for your testimony to bring God so much glory even now in the midst of what seems so troubling. When it comes to your job, remember that the Lord got you that job in the first place. He preserved that job for you and He will provide. When we focus on fear, we fall into a trap that sabotages our future. Look the other way, friend, and keep your eyes on our Almighty God, Jehovah Jireh, your Provider, the Author and Creator of everything good. There are churches meeting in buildings, even in the midst of Covid. Wear your mask and surround yourself with the Body to help you through this. Call the churches near you and ask if they are meeting. Tell them you want to be baptized. You are carrying a lot that Jesus wants to bear for you. I’m praying for you Paul.