We often make up a bunch of unreasonable rules around our faith. “God won’t love me if I don’t _____” – fill in the blank. We believe we must do some sort of work, or make some sort of sacrifice. We have a hard time believing we are supposed to be happy and filled with joy, even though the bible tells us that God is our greatest joy.
Do you think Jesus went around moping all the time? When I read His story in the New Testament, I see a God-man embracing life and finding joy in the minutiae of the day-by-day. Why do we add burdens on our walk with Him?
Let’s be careful – anything beyond love might be something we have added to what God is asking of us. We should certainly be giving people, but it should be given with joy and love, not to fulfill some man-made requirement that God has not placed on us.
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)
#LoveMatters