July 16, 2026
Increase in Us True Religion - Part 4
Matthew 5:19
07/16/2026
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of
these commandments and teaches others to do the
same will be called least in the kingdom of
heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them
will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
(ESV)
As Christians, do we keep God's law to earn His love, or do
we keep His law because He has shown us His mercy? The effect is
the same, we strive to fear, love, and trust in God above all
things while loving our neighbors as ourselves. But striving to
earn our salvation leads to despair, hopelessness, and failure.
Responding to God's love because we are saved by grace alone
brings us hope and comfort.
Jesus warns us:
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these
commandments and teaches others to do the same will be
called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does
them and teaches them will be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.
It is a false, misleading dream that we can do enough good
works to pay for our sins. A false religion demands good works
to appease an angry God. That is the religion of the world, a
religion that makes demands in order to find the comfort of life
everlasting.
But before we came to know Christ Jesus, He lived, died, and
rose again for our redemption. He paid the price of all sins by
all people. God offers us the gift of salvation, and we are
privileged to respond. This is why the Church prays:
Lord of all power and might, author and giver of all
good things, graft into our hearts the love of Your
name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all
goodness, and of Your great mercy keep us in the same.
May our Lord grant us faith to recognize the truth and to
trust in Him. Amen.