The Gospel Isn’t About Us Trying Harder

When it comes to faith, many of us fall into the trap of thinking that the Christian life is about trying harder. We tell ourselves that if we just prayed more, gave more, served more, or sinned less, then maybe—just maybe—we’d finally be “enough.”

But here’s the truth: The Gospel isn’t about us trying harder.

What we believe about God when we think about God is the most important belief we will ever hold. If we see Him as distant, demanding, or impossible to please, then we’ll forever be striving. But if we see Him as loving, gracious, and faithful, then our hearts can rest.

The Good News is this: We don’t have to be enough, because in Christ, we already are.

God declared our worth and His love when He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to Earth. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life we could never live, and then He willingly laid that life down. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He atoned for our sins and made a way for us to be reconciled to God.

That means we no longer live under the crushing weight of “try harder.” Instead, we live under the merciful covering of grace.

You are loved. You are chosen. You are enough! Not because of what you do, but because of what Jesus has already done.

Romans 5:8 NIV
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding me that I don’t have to strive to be enough in Your eyes. You have already called me Your beloved, redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus. Help me rest in Your grace today and live out of the freedom You have given me, not the pressure of trying harder. May my life reflect Your love and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.