Legalists look for what's wrong. But Grace looks for what is right.

Luke 7:36-50 “Don’t allow legalistic beliefs shatter your lifetime of hope.”

I simply love the story in Luke 7:36-50. You have got to read it for yourself. It will bless your socks off! I recently heard Pastor John Gray preach a sermon from this passage and it fired me up! If I had to sum up a principle that I learned from this scripture; it would be “Legalistic beliefs will shatter a lifetime of hope.” Legalists are folks who have a Pharisee’s mentality. The Pharisees knew the Law, yet, they fail to recognize the Law (Jesus) when He stood before them while He spoke the Law.

This woman in our scripture today was a sinner. She didn’t know the Old Testament Law like the Pharisees; but yet, she recognized Jesus. Not only did she recognize Him, but she came into the house (uninvited); with her alabaster box. While she sat at Jesus feet, she began to weep. As her tears fell on His feet, she wiped them with her “hair”, Sisters! Then, if that wasn’t enough; she kissed His feet and anointed His feet with the oil from her alabaster box. But the Pharisees, (the legalistic folks who “knew” the Law) didn’t get it! They criticized Jesus for allowing this woman to interact with Him. They didn’t understand that Jesus came for those who were lost. They fail to realize that He was all about saving souls and NOT condemning them to a lifetime of hell.

Sisters…. what IF this woman would have refrained from worshiping Jesus? What if she would have listened to their criticism? She would have lost her hope and remained in her sinful state. But Jesus, spoke and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” Oh….what a great example of mercy and grace. I read a quote that said, “Legalist look for what is wrong; but Grace will look for what is right” (Author unknown). No matter where you are on your Christian Journey; don’t allow legalistic beliefs shatter your lifetime of hope in Christ. Every time you come to the feet of Jesus; confess your sins, pour out your praise; and you will find grace. Thank God for Jesus and the dispensation of grace.