Sabbath Anxiety (PLEASE HELP)

[AmberB]

I really don't want this to become a debate, but I understand if it does.

I've been learning about God recently (I've only been a Christian for a couple months) and I'm some how just now realizing that I may have to do the Sabbath day. This may sound weird, but it's making me panic.
I have terrible religious anxiety and OCD, so the moment I realize something like this, I panic and think I'm going to be damned for not doing it/doing it wrong. I also panic because I'm afraid of FOLLOWING the rules. The more rules there are, the more I may mess up.

Some people say we don't HAVE to do the Sabbath, but we can if we want. Others say that we need to. I've seen some mention how the law is written on your heart and the Holy Spirit convicts you if you do wrong, so if you don't feel conviction, do you have to do it?

I'm panicking because I don't want to do the Sabbath. It feels like a chore to make sure I don't do any chores. I have a problem with panicking over the rules instead of focusing on the relationship with God, but I don't want to do anything wrong. I'm so afraid all the time and this is just added stress in my head. I feel like I'm already panicking about a million things, and now I have to make sure I don't do anything all day on Saturday and I don't even know how to do that.

Some say if you don't feel like you have to, then don't do it. But others say that you need to. But it's supposed to be a day of rest and happiness I assume, and if it makes me upset, should I even do it?

I know that Jesus fulfilled the law, didn't abolish it, so does that mean we still have to do the Sabbath? Does that mean we still have to follow Leviticus? People say we live under grace and not the law, but that doesn't mean we can just go around and do harm all the time and do whatever you want. You're supposed to obey God's Word, right?

So then does it matter if I don't want to do the Sabbath? Do I have to force myself to do it? I don't really feel convicted to do it, I think, but I can't tell because I'm anxious all the time and my racing thoughts make it hard to focus. And I worry that even if God has told me what to do, I'm not recognizing it or not listening because of my fear of doing it. So I try to just open myself up and listen for Him, but I panic instead and I can't tell what's going on or stop thinking about it to avoid fear.

Then I also wonder is it on Saturday or Sunday? Is it okay to practice the Sabbath on Saturday at home alone, and then go to church on Sunday? Or does your Sabbath have to be on the day you go to church?

I feel like God doesn't want me to panic this much. I feel like the Sabbath should be a day I enjoy, but I panic and I just don't know what to do.

The main reasons I don't want to do the Sabbath are as follows:
-I live with my dad (I'm physically injured and can't work right now) and if he asks me to do something on the Sabbath and I don't, I fear getting in trouble. But I don't want to put the will of my dad's before the will of God.

-The weekend is the only time I get to really spend time with people. My dad is at work all week (He comes home at night but I only see him for a few hours) and I'm alone. All. The. Time. During the weekend, if my dad wants to do something on Saturday (or Sunday, which ever day one must do the Sabbath), I want to do it because I want to do something with a person and not be isolated.

-I worry that the list of things I'm not allowed to do will be a difficult task.
Am I allowed to use electricity?
Can I do the dishes?
Can I paint and do arts and crafts?

It says in the Bible (I think) that people were not supposed to light a fire or make people work. Would using electricity violate that?
Jesus was okay with his disciples picking wheat, and people apparently (to my knowledge) led their animals to water and stuff. Wasn't that considered chores? So it's okay to do some things? But what things are okay to do?

And I enjoy doing crafts and stuff. It's not work to me. I like doing it with my family, but is that bad? Saturday may be the only time I can do these things with my family (it may be doable on Sunday but idk). They don't follow the Sabbath so I would just be alone. That makes me sad.

I guess I can try to convince my family to do stuff on Sunday, after I get back from church. My dad likes to ride his motorcycles on Sunday, but I can try. Usually things are done on Saturday, though.

I just don't feel like the Sabbath is a day of rest for me. It's makes me panic instead. I don't mind the idea of focusing more on God. Maybe putting away the electronics, read the Bible more, don't go to work/school, etc.

I just worry about how far I have to take it, if I even have to do it at all. Jews don't use electricity and I'm not a Jew, but I still wonder if I can't. Am I supposed to just literally sit all day and do nothing? Except read the Bible?

Today I was worried about what I was supposed to do, but I went out with my dad for breakfast anyway and we went to the craft store. I don't feel bad about it necessarily, but I have anxiety. I ALWAYS have anxiety. About everything pretty much. I tried to recognize if I felt convicted before I went out and I didn't. I felt fine while I was out for the most part, too. Part of me is like, "What if this was wrong and I've been turning a blind eye to it and now I'm in trouble."
And part of me is like, "I feel fine about it, it's not big deal, God is still first in my life, it's fine, etc."

I don't know what to do. I panic over everything and I tend to blow things out of proportion and over complicate things. I don't want to do rituals to be a Christian, I just want to be friends with God, but I'm also aware that I have to obey, too. This just makes me panic. I guess it's because I'm selfish. I don't mind turning off distractions like the TV and my phone to focus more on God, but I worry about how far I have to take it (no dishes, laundry, family fun/outings, etc.)

Also, if I do have to do this, I messed up today obviously. But it ends when it gets dark right? I feel bad for asking because I feel like, "Okay it will be over and you will be safe."

Plus my dad wants to go see a movie with me tonight and I want to spend time with him, but I feel bad for being happy because I feel like I'm like, "Okay the Sabbath will be over and I can do what I want."
I don't want to be selfish.

I try to tell myself that if I have to do this, I can just try again next week and don't panic over today, that I'm still figuring this stuff out, but I don't want to excuse this Saturday since it would be sin if I did wrong today. I don't feel bad about it right now, though...

I just worry over everything. Everything has to be monitored for me. Every little detail has to be examined and perfect for me. If I don't do this Sabbath stuff perfectly, I'm afraid I'll go to hell.

 

[Tolworth John]

I just worry over everything. Everything has to be monitored for me. Every little detail has to be examined and perfect for me. If I don't do this Sabbath stuff perfectly, I'm afraid I'll go to hell.

Jesus said, that the sabeth was made for man's benefit, not that man was made to obey the sabeth.

The sabeth day of rest is for 'Re-Creation' literally recreation, it is for us to recharge our physical, mental and spiritual batteries.

Everyone got to rest. That meant that women rested from the hard physical work of grinding grain, making bread, gathering firewood, fetching water.

These physical tasks we no longer have but you get the idea.

The sabeth whether a saturday or on sunday is for your benefit. There are no rules that you must obey.

My pastor kept sunday special, when his boys were young it was the one day that they could play with him and thats what they did a special day for himand his two boys playing with dad.

Go to church, then go and spend time with your family be 're created' by spending time with them.

 

[Stancet]

I've been in this position before AmberB; not concerning the Sabbath, but other things.

The first point I want to help you understand is that you can't loose your salvation. If you trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior, there is nothing you can do that will send you to hell.

Secondly, the Sabbath was made as a day of rest. Also, the Sabbath was made for the benefit of man, and not to be some rigid rule we are slaves to. According to Mark 2:27, Jesus demonstrates that working on the Sabbath is not a sin.

So in what way is the Sabbath a commandment? God desires rest just like people desire a holiday or vacation. Some people can't keep the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday, but they take a day of rest sometime during the week. Resting is important to God because it's during those days we slow down and spend more time with him.

So why is not keeping the Sabbath a sin? In the Old Testament, God had to be rigid with Israel for being an undisciplined and stiff-necked people, but in the New Testament we have the Holy Spirit who acts as an inner guide. We don't suffer the consequences of law-breaking anymore, but we do suffer the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And God desires rest for all His people because without it we get burnt out and loose our interest in God. If it were possible to be a fiery passionate Christian and work 7 days a week, we wouldn't need to keep the Sabbath, but since this is impossible, a day of rest is the prescription.

And concerning your Anxiety, trust me that emotions by themselves are a very poor indicator of God's will. I've struggled with emotions in the past, and confusion about where God was leading me. The Bible tells us to "be still and know He is God". I have much more to say on this, but I'll let you read and ask whatever question you want, if you need any further help.

Just trust me, you are safe in Jesus if you have accepted Him, and he will not cast you out.

 

[paul1149]

I just worry over everything. Everything has to be monitored for me. Every little detail has to be examined and perfect for me. If I don't do this Sabbath stuff perfectly, I'm afraid I'll go to hell.

Paul writes at Rom 8.15 that "We have not received the spirit of slavery, leading to fear again. But we have received, the spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, Abba Father!"

What you're describing is slavery, not sonship.

You're going to get all kinds of opinions on this, unfortunately. Take a step back and ask yourself, what will it take to convince me one way or the other?

I would suggest you read Colossians 2 and 2Cor 3. To wit: Don't let anyone judge you regarding a sabbath. We have a better covenant. The letter kills but the spirit gives life. It's now all about looking to Christ and getting our identity from Him.

Also note that Heb 4 does not refer to the Sabbath, but to a "sabbitismos", a word the author seems to have coined, meaning "sabbatism". It refers to the continual spiritual rest we enjoy in Christ. Now, it's good to rest the body and refresh the mind regularly. But to do it as law brings on the negative power of the letter that 2Cor 3 talks about.

 

[Goatee]

Just follow Jesus. Not man.

Don't worry. God is all loving and caring. Let God guide you.

As a Catholic I always make sure I go to mass either vigil on a Saturday or on a Sunday. I work on either too.

Remember one thing. Jesus did things on a Sabbath that the Pharisees frowned upon! Who was right? Jesus or the Pharisees?

Correct, JESUS,

God bless you

 

[discipler7]

I just worry over everything. Everything has to be monitored for me. Every little detail has to be examined and perfect for me. If I don't do this Sabbath stuff perfectly, I'm afraid I'll go to hell.

.
Sabbath day is just a day for people to rest after working for 6 days. The Sabbath day is to remember God working for 6 days to create the earth/etc and who rested on the 7th day = keep the 7th day holy and rested.
... Today, in most cases, the Sabbath day can be any day of the week that is used for resting from work, eg from factory shift work, and to remember God's Creationism. Do not believe in secular Evolution.

It is wrong for pastors to require their Christian lay members to exert themselves in Church on Sunday after they have worked in their jobs from Monday to Saturday.

ROMANS.7:12 says that God's Law is good for His people. But most Gentiles lead lawless lives, wrt God's Law or Moses Law. So, at ACTS.15:24-29, God only requires new Gentile Christians to begin their born-again lives of the Spirit by keeping 4 simple and non-burdensome laws of Moses.(cf; 1CORINTHIANS.3:1-3) Thereafter, they should slowly learn to keep as many non-burdensome laws of Moses as possible. This is for their own good.
... IOW, God has exempted Gentile Christians from any law of Moses which is a burden, eg circumcision and kosher foods. They are not exempted from any law which is not a burden, esp morality laws, eg the Ten Commandments(EXODUS.20), DEUT.18:9-14, LEV.10:9 & 18:22, etc.
... In comparison, new Jewish Christians are required by God to continue to keep Moses Law, as many laws as possible, because it is not a burden to them.

Those Gentile "Christians" who wantonly or ignorantly commit sins/evil-deeds/law-breaking by breaking Moses Law risk losing their salvation while suffering horribly for their sins, eg by cursing/blaspheming God/Jesus and die, like the wife of Job. Be warned by DEUT.28:15, JOB, 1COR.5:5 & 11:30, 1JOHN.5:16-19, HEBREWS.10:26-31, 1COR.6:9-11, REV.22:12-15, ie sins/evil-deeds/law-breaking have consequences - some may lead to a horrible early death(= risk losing salvation/faith) and some may not, eg convicted murderers are usually executed and traffic offenders only have to pay a fine.

Being saved from hell after death rests solely on faith/trust/belief in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah/Savior on the Cross.(JOHN.3:16, GALATIANS.2:16, eg LUKE.23:43, ROMANS.5:12)

The perfect Christians are those who keep God's Law, either partially or fully, and believe in Jesus Christ = gain a good and long life on earth, and saved from hell(= go to heaven) when they die.(cf; MATTHEW.19:23)

 

[AmberB]

.
Sabbath day is just a day for people to rest after working for 6 days. The Sabbath day is to remember God working for 6 days to create the earth/etc and who rested on the 7th day = keep the 7th day holy and rested.
... Today, in most cases, the Sabbath day can be any day of the week that is used for resting from work, eg from factory shift work, and to remember God's Creationism. Do not believe in secular Evolution.

It is wrong for pastors to require their Christian lay members to exert themselves in Church on Sunday after they have worked in their jobs from Monday to Saturday.

ROMANS.7:12 says that God's Law is good for His people. But most Gentiles lead lawless lives, wrt God's Law or Moses Law. So, at ACTS.15:24-29, God only requires new Gentile Christians to begin their born-again lives of the Spirit by keeping 4 simple and non-burdensome laws of Moses.(cf; 1CORINTHIANS.3:1-3) Thereafter, they should slowly learn to keep as many non-burdensome laws of Moses as possible. This is for their own good.
... IOW, God has exempted Gentile Christians from any law of Moses which is a burden, eg circumcision and kosher foods. They are not exempted from any law which is not a burden, esp morality laws, eg the Ten Commandments(EXODUS.20), DEUT.18:9-14, LEV.10:9 & 18:22, etc.
... In comparison, new Jewish Christians are required by God to continue to keep Moses Law, as many laws as possible, because it is not a burden to them.

Those Gentile "Christians" who wantonly or ignorantly commit sins/evil-deeds/law-breaking by breaking Moses Law risk losing their salvation while suffering horribly for their sins, eg by cursing/blaspheming God/Jesus and die, like the wife of Job. Be warned by DEUT.28:15, JOB, 1COR.5:5 & 11:30, 1JOHN.5:16-19, HEBREWS.10:26-31, 1COR.6:9-11, REV.22:12-15, ie sins/evil-deeds/law-breaking have consequences - some may lead to a horrible early death(= risk losing salvation/faith) and some may not, eg convicted murderers are usually executed and traffic offenders only have to pay a fine.

Being saved from hell after death rests solely on faith/trust/belief in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah/Savior on the Cross.(JOHN.3:16, GALATIANS.2:16, eg LUKE.23:43, ROMANS.5:12)

The perfect Christians are those who keep God's Law, either partially or fully, and believe in Jesus Christ = gain a good and long life on earth, and saved from hell(= go to heaven) when they die.(cf; MATTHEW.19:23)

So, can I wear clothing of mixed fabric? That's a law, right? I'm still learning them, which is why I ask. What about wearing clothes for the opposite sex? I'm a girl and I get my shirts from the men's section because they fit better, not because I want to be a guy.

So do I eventually have to work up to following all 600+ (or whatever it is) rules? Unless they burden me? What if something I think is burdensome isn't burdensome in God's eyes and I get in trouble for not doing it?

 

[thesunisout]

Go to prayer about it sister. Jesus said "My yoke is easy and my burden is light"

 

[discipler7]

So do I eventually have to work up to following all 600+ (or whatever it is) rules? Unless they burden me? What if something I think is burdensome isn't burdensome in God's eyes and I get in trouble for not doing it?

.
As per 1COR.6:9-11 and GALATIANS.5:19, it is mostly morality laws that new Gentile Christians are required to gradually learn to keep. No need to rush. Ceremonial, customary and traditional Jewish laws are mostly exempt, eg performing animal sacrifice, observing Jewish festivals, consulting a Jewish priest, etc.

The morality laws of Moses are based on the 2 greatest laws at MATTHEW.22:37-40 & 7:12, ie love God, love your neighbour/friend as yourself(and hate your enemy), and it goes without saying, love yourself. You can't love God and your neighbour/friend if you do not first love yourself.
... You are not loving yourself if you burden yourself with unneccessary Jewish or Old Testament laws. IOW, avoid harming or offending God, your neighbor/friend and yourself.

P S - The law of tithing 10% of income was only applicable during the ancient theocratic Jewish nation of Judah which was ruled by God's prophets, judges or kings.(cf; Iran and Saudi Arabia) Most Gentile nations today are not theocratic. So, we can tithe about 2% to our Church.

P P S - The kosher food law mainly teaches us to not have evil and wild animalistic behaviour, eg ungrateful like pigs, murderous like tigers, horny like rabbits, blindly loyal like pack-dogs, etc. Shellfish like crabs should be avoided because they may have fed on decaying human bodies.
The law against mixing fabrics in clothing teaches us to not associate with non-believers, eg in marriage and business.(2COR.6:14)

 

[Stancet]

So, can I wear clothing of mixed fabric? That's a law, right? I'm still learning them, which is why I ask. What about wearing clothes for the opposite sex? I'm a girl and I get my shirts from the men's section because they fit better, not because I want to be a guy.

So do I eventually have to work up to following all 600+ (or whatever it is) rules? Unless they burden me? What if something I think is burdensome isn't burdensome in God's eyes and I get in trouble for not doing it?

The Old Testament contains two kinds of laws. Ceremonial and moral. Ever since Jesus fulfilled the law, we are no longer required to follow the ceremonial laws (like sacrificing) but we are still required to keep the moral laws.

So to answer your question, mixed fabric is a ceremonial law, so we are no longer required to obey that law. However, wearing clothing of the opposite gender is a different matter. Deuteronomy 22:5 says "A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God."

Now try not to worry when you read this. This verse applies to transvestites. There is a certain amount of social subjectivity behind this law because (for example) women weren't allowed to wear pants until the 20th century. The country of Scotland finds it socially acceptable for men to wear kilts. I've seen two men in my own church this morning wearing pink shirts, and neither of them did it to look girly. The point is, you have chosen the clothes you wear NOT to confuse the gender God gave you at birth, but to find a modest fit so you will honor God by the way you dress. I'm not trying to blur moral issues, but God considers the intent of a person's heart just as much as the deed itself.

And I know it is frustrating but nobody is truly capable of following God's laws. The wisest Christians teachers will all agree that you will keep sinning until the day you DIE! But that is why Jesus came to forgive you of all your sins if you've accepted Him.

So what's the point of trying? Jesus most definitely died to free us from sin, but once we are saved by His grace we don't arrive at a place where we stop sinning. Only when we get to heaven will we stop sinning. But the point is to follow the Holy Spirit's leading and try to sin a little less each day you live.

I hope this helps some. Sorry my reply was late because it took some time for me to answer these tough questions, but go ahead and let me know if you're confused about anything and I'll try my best to answer with God's help.

 

[HARK!]

So, can I wear clothing of mixed fabric? That's a law, right? I'm still learning them, which is why I ask. What about wearing clothes for the opposite sex? I'm a girl and I get my shirts from the men's section because they fit better, not because I want to be a guy.

So do I eventually have to work up to following all 600+ (or whatever it is) rules? Unless they burden me? What if something I think is burdensome isn't burdensome in God's eyes and I get in trouble for not doing it?

Matthew 11:30 Context

27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

[AmberB]

Thank you all. I'm trying to not be selfish at the idea of possible having to give stuff hard. I try to tell myself change takes time. I don't have to be perfect immediately, or at all.
But I keep having terrible thoughts and I don't know how long I can do this.

 

[anna ~ grace]

So, can I wear clothing of mixed fabric? That's a law, right? I'm still learning them, which is why I ask. What about wearing clothes for the opposite sex? I'm a girl and I get my shirts from the men's section because they fit better, not because I want to be a guy.

So do I eventually have to work up to following all 600+ (or whatever it is) rules? Unless they burden me? What if something I think is burdensome isn't burdensome in God's eyes and I get in trouble for not doing it?

Amber, we are asked to obey Christ, not the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses with its many commandments was meant to point the way to Christ and to be a form of righteousness until the Messiah should come.

Yes, you can wear blended fabrics, eat bacon, work on Saturday, and wear guy's shirts (as long as the intention is not be mistaken for or dress up as a male); I often borrow my husband's baggy shirts as they fit well, and are more modest than many ladies' tops (sadly).

We are asked to obey Christ and to hear His Apostles. So basically the New Testament is our Law of Moses. It is a law based on Love, grace, mercy, sacrifice, smallness, and righteousness, all made possible through the Trinity.

 

[anna ~ grace]

It also sounds like your fears are definitely tied to obsessive tendencies. Don't worry too much about the Law of Moses. It had a place, a beautiful place, but the beauty of Christ has shone brighter, and should reign in our hearts.

 

[bekkilyn]

I think what you need to focus on is building your relationship with Jesus and allowing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to do *his* work within you. Set apart some time each day to talk to God, and perhaps even more importantly, *listen* to God in prayer. Give him your worries and your anxieties and as you get better at hearing him, *he* will let you know what he wants you to do. Remain in conversation with him throughout the day as you go through your daily routines.

He's not looking for all sorts of ways to trap you and trick you. He *wants* a good relationship with you and will help you. It's not about what we *do* but how much we surrender ourselves to *him*.

 

[AmberB]

Amber, we are asked to obey Christ, not the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses with its many commandments was meant to point the way to Christ and to be a form of righteousness until the Messiah should come.

Yes, you can wear blended fabrics, eat bacon, work on Saturday, and wear guy's shirts (as long as the intention is not be mistaken for or dress up as a male); I often borrow my husband's baggy shirts as they fit well, and are more modest than many ladies' tops (sadly).

We are asked to obey Christ and to hear His Apostles. So basically the New Testament is our Law of Moses. It is a law based on Love, grace, mercy, sacrifice, smallness, and righteousness, all made possible through the Trinity.

Many people have told me that too, but others have told me that we still have to listen to the OT Laws and I try to pray for clarity in what I must do, but I am so selfish and fearful over having to give stuff up, I usually end up just getting anxiety. I try giving it up to God, but I get thoughts while praying to Him and it makes me think that it didn't work because I had selfish thoughts while praying.

 

[anna ~ grace]

Many people have told me that too, but others have told me that we still have to listen to the OT Laws and I try to pray for clarity in what I must do, but I am so selfish and fearful over having to give stuff up, I usually end up just getting anxiety. I try giving it up to God, but I get thoughts while praying to Him and it makes me think that it didn't work because I had selfish thoughts while praying.

To be honest, there is a *lot* of debate about this, and yes, some Gentile Christians do believe that in Christ we should obey the Law of Moses.

For a time, I even tried this, too. But as there are literally thousands of ways to follow the Law within Judaism itself, there is no way to know exactly if you are doing everything 100% right. It did become kind of difficult for me, and finally, after reading Galatians, I realized that this was kind of stupid, and that I didn't *need* to keep the Law of Moses. Nor could I.

If Christ fulfils one aspect of Moses, He fulfils all. No, we do not need to keep the Law of Moses, in spite of what some may argue. Or feel. It is simply not needed, nor will obeying the Torah brings us closer to God, or to His Son.

God knows that we are not perfect. He is gracious, forgiving, merciful, and loves us. We do not have to do everything 100% percent correctly all the time for Him to love or save us. We simply need to love Him, love others, live for Him, pray, do His will, and walk with Him humbly.

 

[Neal of Zebulun]

So, can I wear clothing of mixed fabric? That's a law, right? I'm still learning them, which is why I ask. What about wearing clothes for the opposite sex? I'm a girl and I get my shirts from the men's section because they fit better, not because I want to be a guy.

So do I eventually have to work up to following all 600+ (or whatever it is) rules? Unless they burden me? What if something I think is burdensome isn't burdensome in God's eyes and I get in trouble for not doing it?

One step at a time. When you're browsing through shirts, get the one that's a 100% cotton.

Try to find a blouse, Father Yahweh likes His daughters to look good, nothing wrong with that.

Sacrifices like these surely put a smile on Christ's face, because He knows how hard that first step can be for us.

Which is why it's a sacrifice. Although you'll find in the end that it's easier to wear a suitable shirt than it is to stop the Holy Spirit from nagging you to wear one.

Peace!

 

[paul1149]

Amber, I suggest that you give the book of Galatians several good reads. It is the preeminent extended statement of our freedom from legalism. (It's so important, Luther jokingly called it his "wife".) In it, Paul says that through the law he died to the law. What does that mean? It means that when he saw he couldn't keep the law, he realized he needed Christ to fulfill it for him. This is why he goes on to say that the law is the tutor that leads man to Christ. He goes on to say that we are to walk in the Spirit, not the law; in faith, not in works. Because what is perfect - Christ - has arrived, we are no longer under a tutor. In 5.1 he tells them to stand fast in the liberty Christ has purchased for them. And then at 6.2 he introduces the new law, the law of Christ, which is love, consisting of bearing one another's burdens.

Also read Romans 6:14 and Romans 8. You are under grace, not law, so condemnation cannot touch you. It's all sonship now, not performance.

The condemnation you are feeling is residue from the "old man". This is exactly what Christ came to save you from. The more you remain in the Word, the more you will see the difference between the corrupt old soulishness and the newness of the Spirit, and the freer you will get. Be patient and be strong. Keep casting down the condemnation (2Cor 10). You will get there.

 

[anna ~ grace]

One step at a time. When you're browsing through shirts, get the one that's a 100% cotton.

Try to find a blouse, Father Yahweh likes His daughters to look good, nothing wrong with that.

Sacrifices like these surely put a smile on Christ's face, because He knows how hard that first step can be for us.

Which is why it's a sacrifice. Although you'll find in the end that it's easier to wear a suitable shirt than it is to stop the Holy Spirit from nagging you to wear one.

Peace!

I would have to disagree with this deeply. While I can appreciate the zeal that goes into striving to obey Moses for the sake of Christ, it is simply not necessary, nor does it make any sense.

I agree that God does delight in the good, pure, loving, humble, and compassionate choices that we make out of love for Him, and others. But to expect anyone to obey Moses in Christ is simply wrong. It is not even humanly possible, as we have no system of daily sacrifice in the Temple at this point. If Christ fulfils one aspect (the animal sacrifice one) of Moses, He fulfils all, as the Torah is One Law, just as our Savior is One Man.