There are many differences between a religion and a relationship with Jesus! One difference is that religion uses fear to motivate. Jesus uses love to motivate. When was the last time you intimidated someone into being your friend. I mean really put the fear of pain and suffering into them so they would chose to become your friend instead of becoming a friend to someone else. Jesus calls people to friendship with God which can become a love relationship that drives out all fear of punishment.
Religion only has follow the rules, ceremonies, guidelines or you are not "in" the group. And when you are not "in" there are consequences either here on earth or later in the after life.
God longs for us to motivate ourselves and other people by the love instead of fear. If I once followed Jesus because of fear, I now follow Jesus because I am loved. If I once tried to get people to follow Jesus because I was afraid they would be punished; I am now motivated that they would miss being loved and accepted by God.
You might argue, Jesus has harsh with people and warned them of hell to come. Yes, the religious people who thought they were with God when they were not, Jesus was harsh with. We have to assume that was there only hope of seeing the truth. But to sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, and regular folks, Jesus had compassion on them and loved them.
Are you motivate today to follow Jesus out of love or fear?
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