Mom Heart Moments #93

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

WE ONCE HAD A FRIEND WHO was very pious. Her attempts to be spiritual and “work” for God came from a heart that was striving to know God and serve Him sincerely. Yet all her self-denial, pious speech, and work, work, work left most people in her life feeling guilty and distant from her. Since she had not experienced the grace and peace of God, she could only give out of a soul of performance, which brings death to relationships. She often spoke in religious phrases and with each passing month seemed more cold and drained of life —just the result she wouldn’t want.

In contrast, when I am in the presence of someone who really walks with God, there is evidence of life, joy, goodness, well-being, grace, and faith. When one is washed with the unconditional love and grace and mercy of God, the result is peace and thankfulness of heart and humility. Of course, those who really exhibit the life of the Lord aren’t above discouragement or humanity, but there is a palpable sense of walking with God and having made a decision to please Him and trust Him through the ups and downs of life. There is a security I feel in being with them, because I know their sails have been set toward the King and His Kingdom, and I can trust in their integrity to continue journeying in the right direction with Him at the helm. I feel a rest in my relationship with such people because I know I am safe in the hands of mature, seasoned lovers of God who will love me and accept me and point me to Him gently as we walk this road of life in fellowship.

Do you find yourself working to please God, leaving the people around you trying to please you? How might embracing His grace change things?