Five Ways to Relax in God’s Grace
| Luke 12:29-32 (MSG) Jesus said: What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. How do you learn to “R.E.L.A.X.” in the grace of God? R: Realize Nobody is Perfect Psalm 119:96 (TLB) | Nothing is perfect except your words. What society tells you isn’t perfect. What popular opinion tells you isn’t perfect. What you learned growing up isn’t perfect. But God’s Word is perfect. When you get in the Bible and build your life on it, you will have a perfect foundation. E: Enjoy God’s Unconditional Love 1 John 3:1 (TLB) | See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children—think of it—and we really are!When you become a follower of Christ, you’re not just a servant of God anymore. You are a child of the King. A servant is accepted on the basis of what he does; a child is accepted on the basis of who he is. A servant starts the day anxious and worried that her work will please her master; a child rests in the secure love of her family. A servant is accepted because of his workmanship; a child is accepted because of his relationship. L: Let God Handle Things What do you do about the uncontrollable things in life? 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) | Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you. When you’re fishing and you cast a line, there comes a point where you have to take your finger off the button and let it go. Just like the essence of casting is letting go, to overcome perfectionism you have to let go and let God do his work. A: Act in Faith, Not Fear Remember how you got into God’s family in the first place. Ephesians 2:8 (NIRV) | God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift.There’s no other way to get into heaven except by grace. You’ll never be good enough, and you can’t buy your way in. It’s a free gift from God. X: EXchange Perfectionism for God’s Peace Perfectionism destroys peace. Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG) | Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest . . . Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Talk About It 1. What does unconditional love mean to you? Do you ever find it causing guilt? 2. What troubles, grudges, or guilt can you let go of when you remember that nobody’s perfect? 3. We all need to act, but sometimes we try to get out ahead of God. Can you think of a time you did that as opposed to relaxing? 4. What aspects of God’s love can help you relax? 5. How do you need to respond today to God’s offer of grace? |