Hearts strengthened by God’s grace.

“Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you in the wrong way. Your hearts should be strengthened by God’s grace, not by obeying rules about foods, which do not help those who obey them.” Hebrews 13:9. NCV.

Over the years, I have seen people strengthening their hearts by at least two approaches. One is Legalism based on all kinds of strange teachings, (and there are several in the world) and the second one is the grace of the Lord. Paul usually begins his epistles with a greeting that says grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen! only the grace of the Lord can strengthen the heart by giving peace and rest. 

Even in Christian circles, believers can get into the trap of Legalism. The Christian life would then become a set of rules- by the thought that you have to follow certain rules, regulations, and restrictions to prove yourself worthy or good in front of others and God. Consequently, they put the same expectation on others as well. Suppose someone does not behave in the same way they think. In that case, they erroneously conclude they are not worthy of being accepted in their ‘circles.’ In short, such people strengthen their hearts with Legalism. 

Now think about the rules and laws regarding food, religious festivals, and certain celebrations. People think they can please God more by meticulously following such rules. Apostle Paul addresses such a legalistic mentality in Colossians 2:16. He wrote, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.  These are a shadow of the things that were to come; however, the reality is found in Christ.” Listen! All such restrictions or festivals they try to keep today were mere shadows of the things that were to come. All such things laid out in the past were found fulfillment in the work of Jesus Christ. Now you can relax and strengthen your hearts by the grace of God that was appeared in Christ. 

Beloved, strengthen your hearts not by Legalism but by the grace that was revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preceding verse in Colossians 2:9 says, “in Christ, you have been brought to fullness. Another translation says you were made complete in Christ Jesus. Look and understand what happened because of the work of Jesus on the cross. Verse 13 said that when you were dead in your sins and uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all your sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And He disarmed the powers and authorities (evil powers and authorities). He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them (evil rulers and authorities once ruled over you). Jesus triumphed over them by the cross. 

Stop and reread the above verse. Based on what God did for you in the person and work of Jesus Christ, you can now relax. Not only can you relax, but also you can strengthen your hearts with the depth and the power of the grace of God. You can become a channel of grace to others around you. You do not need to be legalistic anymore. Do not use Legalism to strengthen your worth. It does not. You are complete only by the work of Jesus Christ. Rick Warren wrote, “Legalism will suck your life dry of happiness. It sucks churches dry of happiness. Everybody is there out of duty and guilt.” You see, there is no real Christian joy and service when your hearts are grounded in Legalism. The real joy, happiness, motivation, and Christian service happens when our Lord Jesus Christ’s grace strengthens you.

Have you yet received the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ? God calls you to receive His grace today that is freely available in Christ Jesus.

“Father in heaven, I know there are many strange teachings and speculations that can lead me wrong. I give my heart to you, Lord. I allow you to strengthen my heart with the grace that is revealed in the person and work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May your free grace flow out of me as it flows out from Jesus Christ so that I can be a channel of your God’s grace. I believe Jesus died for my sins and shortcomings. I accept Him as my savior and Lord. Thank you for hearing me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”