“You live under the freedom of God’s grace.”
Have you ever met someone so steadfast in their convictions that not even the most logical arguments could change their mind?
Being passionate about a cause or an issue can be invigorating, until that moment of clarity strikes—an epiphany that reveals we might have been mistaken in our understanding of the issue. Our newfound awareness can be a humbling experience. In contrast, when we have insight that is not being received and someone else remains entrenched in their views, it can be frustrating and exasperating.
It’s startling how we can start in one place and come full circle on an issue that brings us to an entirely different perspective.
Saul had a dramatic full circle perspective moment in his life. Saul was a legalistic Pharisee until he had an encounter with the living Christ.
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:1-6, NLT)
Saul, a persecutor of Christians, was zealous about how the Christians were wrong in their belief that Jesus was the Messiah. Until his transformative experience with Christ on the road to Damascus gave him a new viewpoint.
Full Circle | Legalism to Grace
Saul went from a legalistic view of living by the law and an eliminator of Christians to a view of living under grace that enveloped the law and became an evangelist of the good news of Jesus Christ.
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (Romans 6:14, NLT)
When we encounter Christ and engage deeply with the truth of His Word, our perspective can undergo a significant transformation. Being transformed by Christ brings clarity, hope, and a renewed understanding of our lives. However, we need to recognize that sometimes our viewpoint may remain relatively unchanged. When we are deeply ingrained with belief systems and biases shaped by our upbringing, culture, or past experiences, we may remain enslaved to a life devoid of freedom. Letting go of these established beliefs can be challenging, as they often form a fundamental part of our identity.
Embracing the beauty of grace helps us understand that we are loved and accepted, even when we make mistakes. Grace encourages us to examine our deeply rooted belief systems, which may be directing us away from God instead of toward Him and the abundant life He promises.
Living Under Grace
Learning to embrace grace instead of living under legalism often takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few questions to help ensure you are living under grace and not locked up in legalism.
- Do I feel free to be all that I am in Christ, or do I feel restrained? (Romans 6:14)
- Do I feel the pressure to perform and prove my worth? (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Do I think others are looking down on me with disapproval? (Titus 2:11-15)
- Do I feel compelled to get things right without any wiggle room for error? (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Do I hear the voices of condemnation louder than the loving voice of Jesus? (Romans 6:14, 8:1-2)
One of the most significant full circle moments is when we lean into the experience of the ongoing journey of learning to live under God’s grace.
I pray that the Holy Spirit reveals to you the belief systems and biases that are holding you back from living your fullest potential. May you experience grace in abundance poured out like rain on the thirsty ground of your soul. May you walk in God’s grace and be empowered to extend grace to others. So be it, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate: God is grace-filled toward me.
Reflect and go Deeper: Using the questions above, read one at a time and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any blind spots in your life. Where do you need healing? Read the coinciding scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to help you personalize the truth of His Word to your life and help you walk in His grace.
For further encouragement, listen to the PODCAST on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Google, IHeartRadio, and Podbean, YouTube. Search God’s Word Gives Hope. LISTEN NOW or WATCH NOW
Accelerate Your Growth personally and professionally when you JOIN the THRIVE Coaching Community, a unique, affordable coaching experience with weekly resources, monthly coaching videos, and more. – Learn More and Subscribe here
JSC Life & Leadership Coaching – I believe God has created each of us to thrive. Coaching closes the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Contact me to schedule a consultation, and discover how coaching can get you moving forward. Contact Janae
Did you know you can follow God’s Word Gives Hope on Facebook and Instagram?
(Bible References: NLT – New Living Translation)
#GodsWordGivesHope
#Hope #Bible #christianity #SaultoPaul
#Jesus #grace #legalism
#christianitytoday #Easter2025 #FullCircle
#JSCLifeandLeadershipCoaching
