Thursday Thoughts: Legalism, Love, and the Gospel
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
— John 13:35 (ESV)
Legalism, love, and the gospel—three powerful forces that often collide in the heart of every believer. Understanding how they interact is vital for a life rooted in Christ.
What is legalism?
Legalism is the belief that strict rules, rigid standards, and external performance make us more acceptable to God. It’s the mindset that says, “If you behave the right way, then God will love you.”
But Scripture tells us otherwise:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9
Legalism can creep into marriages, friendships, parenting, church life, and even how we view strangers. It shows up in attitudes like:
“You don’t deserve my time because of your choices.”
“If you were more holy, God would bless you.”
“You can’t come close because of your sin.”
But that is not the heart of Jesus.
Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors.
He did not condone sin—but He never withheld compassion. The love of Christ always moved toward the broken, never away. When others wanted to condemn, Jesus wanted to restore.
Love: The Greatest Command
Scripture tells us clearly:
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Love is not passive acceptance of sin.
Love is not enabling destructive behavior.
Love is not blind approval of someone's lifestyle.
But love is always compassion.
Love is always truth spoken gently.
Love is always the bridge that leads to Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus did not hate those who murdered Him.
Instead, He prayed,
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
— Luke 23:34
If Jesus could forgive His executioners, how can we refuse forgiveness to anyone?
Legalism vs. Love in Real Life
Legalism pushes people away.
Love draws them near.
One story paints this perfectly:
A man going through deep hardship turned to his childhood church for help. Instead of compassion, he was criticized—he didn’t attend church enough, he had not been in control of his household, he wasn’t faithful enough, wasn’t living a good Christian Lifestyle. Rejected and ashamed, he left. On the way home, he stopped at a bar. Nervous and broken, he spilled his drink by accident, expecting anger. Instead, the waitress touched his shoulder and asked, “Are you okay? Let me help you.”
The church rejected him.
The world—imperfectly—showed him kindness.
And he returned night after night because pain seeks the first place that offers comfort. Years later the alcohol has taken over and now that’s the only comfort he has. Today he sits on a bench not far from that same church, as people walk by and no one askes “How did he get there?” all they see is a drunk. How different would his life would have been if he had been given the love of the gospel instead of the comfort of the bottle!
This is how legalism destroys and misrepresents Christ.
It convinces the wounded that Jesus is harsh, cold, and condemning—when the opposite is true.
Ephesians 4:29 (speak only what is helpful for building others up),
Colossians 4:6 (let your conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt),
The Gospel: The Answer to Everything
The gospel is not legalism.
The gospel is not condemnation.
The gospel is not a checklist.
The gospel is good news:
Jesus loves sinners.
Jesus heals the broken.
Jesus restores the fallen.
Jesus rescues the wandering.
“The greatest of these is love.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:13
If Jesus didn’t put people in boxes, how dare we?
If He spoke to prostitutes, tax collectors, and outcasts, how can we turn our backs on anyone because they don’t fit our idea of “acceptable Christianity”?
Legalism builds walls.
Love builds bridges.
The gospel tears down every barrier between God and man.
Any plan that starts with “I” or “me” will fail.
Any plan that starts with “He” or “Him” will succeed.
Prayer
Father,
Help me reject legalism in my heart. Teach me to love like Jesus loved, to see people through Your eyes, and to offer compassion instead of condemnation. Fill me with a gospel-shaped heart that leads others to Christ, not away from Him.
In Christ’s name. Amen.
Takeaway
Legalism excludes.
Love restores.
The gospel saves.
If you must choose one motto for your life—choose the gospel, and let love lead the way.
