Reflecting Joyful Gratitude

Why Jesus Christ is living water for a thirsty soul

I absolutely love reading the Bible. It feeds my soul and quenches a thirst I tried to satisfy with other religions, philosophies, and new-age spirituality — but could not. Because of Scripture I can walk into any church (regardless of denomination or congregants' beliefs) knowing I am fully loved and wanted by Jesus Christ, just as I am.

There’s a simple, childlike confidence to this: Jesus loves me — this I know — for the Bible tells me so. That simplicity is a strength. Children trust what they’re told; they don’t overthink it. They aren’t yet jaded by the disappointments that come from being hurt by people. Jesus taught that the Kingdom belongs to those who receive with that kind of trust (Matthew 19:14). I don’t see any better way to approach Him.

Jesus gave us the essentials for salvation in the Gospels. All we must do is believe and trust. God is not like us; He does not lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). It is safe to believe Him. He calls Himself the Way, and I have put all my chips on that truth.

That doesn’t mean human systems haven’t complicated things. Too often people conflate Old Testament law with the new covenant — treating Jesus as an occasional safety net rather than the complete fulfillment of the law. They teach as if we are still under the law and only saved when we can’t quite keep it. That confuses seekers and keeps many away from the hope that is in Christ.

Paul helps us here. The Law reveals sin (Romans 7), but it never gives us the power to be righteous before God. To be saved by law would require perfect obedience — something we simply cannot do. Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He lived it perfectly and died as the substitutionary sacrifice none of us could be. Faith in that work is what sets us free — free from the law’s condemnation and free from its eternal consequences. No wonder He says His yoke is easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:30).

So how do we enter the Kingdom? By trusting that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection accomplished salvation for us. Yet many Christians confuse faith with works — implying that our obedience or effort earns righteousness. That’s not what Scripture teaches. True good works flow naturally from the Spirit working inside a person who already believes. This process — sanctification — is God’s work in us. We cooperate, yes, but we do not manufacture transformation by sheer will.

I’ve heard people say, “Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t give us license to sin.” That phrase bugs me not because the sentiment is wrong, but because it’s often used in a way that pushes people away. Said as a slogan and wielded by works-minded teachers, it becomes a tool of shame. I’ve seen sincere souls come to church in hope, meet compassionate Christians, and then be pushed away by harsh, judgmental teaching that sounds like, “You must perform.” That drives people from the very place they might have encountered the grace of Jesus.

We need a revival of grace-infused faith: people who are so grateful for the gift of Jesus that they have no desire to condemn or intimidate others. Authentic, life-giving Christianity looks like humility, welcome, and joy — not perfectionism on parade. Anything else is bad fruit.

I invite you to read the Bible for yourself and pray before you read. Ask the Spirit to reveal truth, not only what others have told you. I was a hesitant prodigal long before I named this blog. I’ve often wandered away because the human versions of Christianity felt brittle and cold. But my heart kept asking for Jesus and His Father. Perhaps your heart has been doing the same.

Thanks be to God for a Savior who searches us out, welcomes us, and reshapes us with love.