When Our Religious Beliefs Lack Faith, We Create Distance Between Us And God's Best For Our Lives.

"God brings all things to us..."

After the death of my sister in March of 2019, I slowly came to the realization that the belief in God is far different than having faith in God, and that makes all the difference. Our belief in God is a prerequisite that  can be dangerous and carry unfulfilled potential when lacking faith. Our belief doesn't allow for much understanding of His limitless possibilities, while our faith depends on it.

You see, our belief is strongly tied to His teaching and what the bible literally says, and our faith in Him allows for the understanding that He works all things out for our good and the good of others (we don't have to be rigid vigilantes for Christ, but His light). Belief leaves us open to judge and be intolerant of others, while our faith in God allows us to submit to grace, mercy, compassion, and humanity. Our faith overrides our beliefs when our beliefs become too rigid and boxed in for God's liking.

I recently had an in depth conversation with a friend that made me realize a few things:

1. Jesus not only tolerated, but loved, helped and adored us in all our flaws.

2. Jesus never shunned us for our sins or felt the need to separate himself for fear of being tainted or to show his distaste.

3. Above all, we are called to love and not harm. 

4. God does not force us into compliance or belief. 


Above all, we are called to love and not judge others for their sins. We cannot control what others do, just as they cannot control what we do with our lives. If God held us to the same standard that we hold others to we would all be doomed. But on a deeper level, people that hold others to rigid standards are most often suffering from the same judgement of themselves. Not only does it create false superiority complexes, but It lends to closeted anxiety, depression, unhappiness and sleepless nights. When our religious beliefs begin to chip away at our faith we distance ourselves from our calling and fulfilling relationships with God and His people.