"Any verse in the Bible - even in the New Testament written by Paul - that does not reveal GRACE (effortless life) is simply misunderstood. Any scripture that is seen as something that we need to do to contribute to HIS work is MISUNDERSTOOD. Don't be blinded by a scripture that seems to contradict the simple Gospel of HIS LIFE IN YOU AND THROUGH YOU FREELY. If it is not effortless it is flesh." Bertie Brits
Wow, I love that! I have been confused by certain scriptures in the past, coming as I did from a more performance-oriented background. I had probably put 'works' and 'effort' and 'should' and 'must' into verses because of my legalistic perceptions. What a relief to know that God is gracious and loving, and that even the scriptures I don't understand will eventually become clear in the light of GRACE!
It helps me to know that if I read the scriptures and feel condemned, tense, pressured, and wanting to focus on self-effort, I must be confused, because His Word of Grace is always life-giving and liberating, joyful and releasing! His Word of Grace always frees and lifts us rather than depressing and crushing us. His Word of Grace always points to Jesus, not us. His Word of Grace lifts off burdens rather than putting on burdens! His Word of Grace is always life and healing, not death and despair.
Grace is the New Covenant that we are in, the ministry of the Spirit and of Life, so we can interpret every scripture through the lens of grace and His Life, not law and our works which are a dead-end. As Bertie says so well, "If if is not effortless it is flesh." It's all about His work in and through me while I rest. What a blessed relief for someone who gets worn out trying to do enough, be enough, change enough, measure up enough...ad nauseum!
Thank You, Lord, that the Gospel is all about Christ living in me FREELY through the Holy Spirit ! Oh, how I need to hear that today and just lean back in Your arms and REST! Thank You that when we get caught up in the "doings" at times, we can just STOP and fall back into the arms that never let go of us for a minute! Thank You for loving and delighting in us at all times, whether we're basking in Your presence or confused and troubled or even on a wearying flesh-trip. Thank You that You are unwavering in pouring out Your life and love and Spirit in us! You are a river in us that never, never, NEVER runs dry! Amen..