Week 17 (21 - 27 Apr): Rediscovering the Heart Behind Our Christian Habits

Yesterday’s session on Luke 14:1–14 really stirred something in us.

We started with a simple but confronting question: If we only invite family and friends to dinner, are we really living any differently? Jesus pointed out that even the world knows how to repay kindness with kindness. Kingdom living, however, calls us to invite those who cannot repay — trusting God to be our rewarder at the resurrection.

What really hit me was the principle we drew out: live generously without expecting repayment. But also, do not become legalistic about it. Life is not about policing ourselves every time we bless someone we love. It is about checking the posture of the heart.

Throughout the discussion, a theme kept surfacing — the difference between human-made rules and God's heart. The Pharisees were looking for ways to catch Jesus out, just as people sometimes watch us today, measuring our faith by visible actions. And truthfully, I realised that we sometimes box ourselves in, following unspoken "Christian" rules without even understanding why.

We talked about the simple practice of saying grace before meals. It is good — but when it becomes mechanical, it loses its life. Matthew 15:8 says it plainly: "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." That verse got us thinking. How many times have we gone through the motions — blessing the food, but eating with an anxious or distracted heart?

Jesus is not after perfect routines. He is after present, grateful hearts.He wants us to taste His provision, to see the table not just as a place of habit, but as a reminder of His goodness.

Walking away from yesterday, we reflected on ways we could apply this understanding into areas of our lives. We prayed together, to be the church and live out the heart of Jesus.

May we be a people whose habits are rooted not in duty, but in delight —not just honouring God with our lips but offering Him our whole hearts.

Love, RT2/521