This week, we were in Genesis 16, walking through the account of Sarai and Hagar. This passage reveals that the more we try to make ourselves righteous—to earn God's love through our own efforts—the more we actually live in slavery. When we believe God's love is based on our performance, our lives become marked by control, fear, and the need to manage our reputation. But the gospel reminds us of a better truth: God's love is not something we earn. Jesus died on the cross for us, and because of His finished work, we are fully known and fully loved.
