Discovering Grace with Dianna Carroll

The Book of James shines a spotlight on the sins of Christians, because even among believers, conflicts can arise. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). 

Self-help and self-reliance can never lead us to true satisfaction and assurance in Christ because we were never meant to be merely improved.

There is a difference between the accusation by Satan and the promises of God. Accusation points inward, while promise points to Christ.

So, if you find yourself constantly trying to earn God’s attention, or assuming His love and faithfulness depend on your actions, you are wrong. You are loved, even if you’re ashamed of your sin. 

If faith is resting on Christ, rest will feel like relief. The Christian life was never meant to be sustained by fear; it's sustained by trust in Christ's finished work.

As a Christian, you should seek wisdom from God (James 1:5). The works of the flesh oppose the work of the Spirit of God, as listed in Galatians 5:17-21.

When we are in Christ, we are simply aware of who we belong to first and foremost. That’s when we can let go of everything the world tells us to do to belong. We are already known, rescued, loved, and seen in God's eyes.

Reading the Bible with Christ at its center is not simply an opinion; it is the foundation that brings the Word of God together.

 "Yes, they have cancer, but cancer cannot lead them, heal them, or love them. Only God’s love will strengthen them and give them an unshakeable hope."

Agape love is the highest, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love, representing God's own nature and the love He desires people to show each other. It is Christ's love.