For me I struggle with the dichotomies of the Christian life. It feels to live in grace and freedom is to give into that one wonder side of the dichotomy and then one day remember, oh wait there is that other side (that really important side) and in accepting it your struggle with needing that crash helmet and coming undone. It isn't a fun graceful place. But, maybe necessary is the scope of a life of freedom lived in grace. Can we live there and accept that place in peace without fear and without coming undone and without struggling with judgement of self and others?
When we realize the boundlessness of grace we begin to find that we can live there. This is, I think, what is meant by Paul talking about learning to be content in all situations. Grace allows us to accept ourselves and one another. Judgement of self and others is rooted not in grace. It's not even really rooted in law. It's rooted within our sin sick hearts. We judge others to try to help ourselves experience grace and of course when we fall short of our own judgement we imagine they are doing the same to us.
Grace allows for freedom because it frees us from the judgement of self. Grace is the doorway to self-love. Soon, the dichotomies transform and become the necessary tensions that hold us on the narrow road.
For me I struggle with the dichotomies of the Christian life. It feels to live in grace and freedom is to give into that one wonder side of the dichotomy and then one day remember, oh wait there is that other side (that really important side) and in accepting it your struggle with needing that crash helmet and coming undone. It isn't a fun graceful place. But, maybe necessary is the scope of a life of freedom lived in grace. Can we live there and accept that place in peace without fear and without coming undone and without struggling with judgement of self and others?
Good stuff my friend!
When we realize the boundlessness of grace we begin to find that we can live there. This is, I think, what is meant by Paul talking about learning to be content in all situations. Grace allows us to accept ourselves and one another. Judgement of self and others is rooted not in grace. It's not even really rooted in law. It's rooted within our sin sick hearts. We judge others to try to help ourselves experience grace and of course when we fall short of our own judgement we imagine they are doing the same to us.
Grace allows for freedom because it frees us from the judgement of self. Grace is the doorway to self-love. Soon, the dichotomies transform and become the necessary tensions that hold us on the narrow road.
You keep making me look in the mirror! Not sure I always like what I see...
I’m right there with you!