We are redeemed by the all-sufficient blood of Jesus. God freely saves us and loves us. Our relationship with Him is not about what we have done, but about Who He is. We receive God’s gift of Jesus by faith.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt 28:18-20
Jesus calls us to obey Him. This seems like a contradiction to the gift of salvation. Keep in mind, our obedience does not earn our salvation. Rather, God saves us, transforms us and our hearts want to obey Him.
We cooperate with Him as He transforms us. We need to open our hearts to His love and His word. He speaks to us through others and directly to our hearts through His word—He is The Word.
We do not need to impress Him. In our perfectionism we tend to look for ways to impress others. God sees the small things we do. Jesus talked about a cup of cold water being given in His name even being noticed. As we obey Him, we need to allow ourselves to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Shame says we don’t deserve praise. Doubt says don’t trust praise. We need to let go of shame and doubt and allow ourselves to receive God’s praise and approval.
Reflections on Recovery 