Five Ways to Relax in God’s Grace and Love
By Rick Warren
“Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace” (Hebrews 12:15a NCV).
How do you learn to “R.E.L.A.X.” in the liberating grace of God?
Realize nobody’s perfect.
Psalm 119:96 says, “Nothing is perfect except your words” (TLB). 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.
Enjoy God’s unconditional love.
The Bible says, “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!” (1 John 3:1 TLB). When you become a follower of Christ, you’re not just a servant of God anymore. You are a child of the King. Servants are accepted on the basis of what they do; children are accepted on the basis of who they are. A servant starts the day anxious and worried that her work will please the 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.
Let God handle things.
What do you do about the uncontrollable things in life? “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). When 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.
Act in faith, not fear.
Remember how you got into God’s family in the first place. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (NIV). 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.
Exchange your perfectionism for God’s peace.
Perfectionism destroys peace. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-29, “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” (The Message). What a deal!
You’re going to fail a lot in life. But you don’t have to worry about it if you’ve received God’s grace. In fact, there’s only one failure you ever need to worry about: “Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace” (Hebrews 12:15a NCV). Receive it right now, and then relax!
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Talk It Over
How will being mindful that no one is perfect help you to let go of troubles or grudges or guilt?
What are some other aspects of God’s love that can help you relax?
How can you respond today to God’s offer of grace?
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This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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