Let’s Grow in Grace, Not Guilt

Hey Beloved!

I’m so glad you're here. Whether you've been part of this community for a while or you're visiting for the first time—welcome! I’m Lashondra, and here at Spiritual Growth Matters, we care passionately about one thing: helping you cultivate a deeply satisfying relationship with God in a healthy, grace-filled way.

Today, I want to shed light on legalism—something I’ve wrestled with, something many of us have fallen into without realizing it, and something we need to break free from if we want to grow in Christ the right way.

Let’s walk through 3 key truths together.

1. Legalism is Trying to Earn What Jesus Already Paid For

There was a time when following the laws in the Old Testament was the way to be justified before God. But Jesus changed that. He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

When we try to earn salvation by works—by checking off spiritual boxes—we’re missing the gift of grace.

Romans 3:28 reminds us:

"We are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law."

Beloved, you don’t have to prove yourself to God. You just have to believe Him.

2. You Can Follow All the Rules and Still Miss God

This one hit me hard: legalism can look like “being good,” but your heart is far from Him.

You can read the Bible daily, go to church, serve, tithe, and still not know Jesus intimately.

Yikes!

2 Corinthians 3:6 says,

“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

The law without relationship leads to spiritual death. But when your heart is rooted in Christ, obedience becomes love in action—not a burden or performance. He wants your heart, not just your habits.

3. Legalism Adds to God’s Word—and That’s Dangerous

Have you ever heard something like “Being late is a sin”? Or maybe felt guilt for not following rules that aren't actually in Scripture? That’s adding man-made rules and calling them God’s commands. That’s legalism too.

In Mark 7:7, Jesus says:

“Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.”

Beloved, we must be careful not to burden ourselves—or others—with traditions or expectations that aren’t from the LORD. His commandments aren’t burdensome. They're freeing when followed through love, not fear.

Let’s Review

Legalism shows up in three ways:

• Trying to earn salvation by following the law.

• Following the law with a heart far from God.

• Adding man-made rules and calling them God's.

Here’s the truth: We are saved by grace through faith—period. That faith produces fruit, yes, but the root is always Jesus.

My Prayer for You

If this message resonated with you, know you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I’ve repented. And I’ve learned to walk in grace instead of guilt.

I pray you do the same. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into truth, peace, and deeper intimacy with Jesus.

You don’t need to strive, perform, or prove. Just abide.

Let’s grow deeper roots in Christ—together. 🌱

Growing alongside you in grace and love,

Lashondra