The Opposite of Religion Is Faith
- Heather Jefferson
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
By Heather Jefferson
Have you ever found yourself doing something simply because it’s expected of you? Perhaps it’s a cherished ritual you’ve always practiced, or just a box you feel you need to tick off. The truth is, doing things out of obligation doesn’t always mean your heart is truly in it. This is where religion and faith take different paths. While religion often focuses on fulfilling requirements, faith is something much deeper—it’s all about love, devotion, and trust.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines religion as “an institutionalized system of beliefs and practices.” It involves performing what’s necessary to qualify, to meet standards, and to achieve acceptance or salvation. However, that’s not what God desires from us. We were created for relationship—not ritual. He seeks someone to receive His love, someone who will respond to that love with genuine devotion.
Religion Focuses on Sin, Faith Sees Forgiveness
In Luke 7:39, we witness a truly touching moment between Jesus and a woman who had faced her share of struggles. The religious leader, Simeon, pondered quietly, believing that Jesus should recognize how sinful this woman was. However, what Simeon didn't realize was the incredible love of the One beside him—the One who was always ready to forgive and restore. As the commentary in The Passion Translation (TPT) beautifully highlights:
“Religion focuses on a person's sinfulness; faith sees the glory of the One who forgives and heals.”
Religion focused Simeon’s attention on the woman’s failures, whereas faith would have recognized the redemptive love of Jesus. Faith does not judge a person by their worst mistakes; it looks to the One who forgives those mistakes and heals the broken places.
Faith Comes from Devout Love and Trust
Religion often emphasizes a checklist where we feel we must complete various tasks to find salvation—ticking off each requirement to feel worthy. In contrast, faith extends a warm invitation, reminding us that salvation is a precious gift already ours because of Jesus' incredible work. It’s not about proving ourselves or striving to earn grace; instead, it’s about embracing the truth that He has already taken care of everything for us. All we need to do is joyfully say, “Yes, Lord, I receive Your boundless love.”
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:8-27), He didn’t ask her to prove herself worthy, nor did He condemn her past. Instead, He waited for her at the place of her need, meeting her when she felt the most ashamed and isolated. When He asked her for a drink of water, He wasn’t merely requesting a drink—He was seeking her love and devotion. He offered her living water, telling her that anyone who drinks from Jacob’s well will thirst again, but those who drink from the water He provides will never be thirsty.
Religion teaches us to depend on rituals, rules, and practices to quench our spiritual thirst. However, Jesus reveals that if we draw from those sources, we will always find ourselves thirsty again. Only His living water can truly satisfy. Jesus wasn’t asking her to carry out religious tasks; He wanted her to understand that He was the answer to her deepest need—the need to be loved and forgiven.
Faith Comes from Knowing and Loving Him
When we truly fall in love with Jesus, it’s not about proving ourselves or trying to meet rigid religious expectations. Instead, it’s a beautiful journey of getting to know Him better, exploring His ways, embracing His heart, and placing our trust in His divine plan. Our faith flourishes from our love for Him and the deep trust that comes from understanding His true character.
Jesus said,
“Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.” (Matthew 22:37 TPT)
When you truly love God with every part of you—your passion, energy, and thoughts—your heart desires to have faith. It’s not about doing what’s required; it’s about wanting to go beyond because love compels us to. You’ll even lay down your life for someone you truly love. That’s what Jesus did for us. He loved us so much that He gave His life, and in return, He invites us to love Him with that same depth and devotion.
Choosing Faith Over Religion
Faith differs from religion in that it isn't about striving for acceptance. Instead, it’s rooted in the assurance that you are already loved and accepted because of what Jesus accomplished. It’s about wholeheartedly offering your heart and being to God out of love, rather than from a sense of obligation. Faith is all about choosing to trust Him—His faithfulness, His promises, His grace, His mercy, and His sovereignty—because you truly know His love.
Religion looks at failures and counts sins. Faith looks at the Savior and counts blessings. Religion demands perfection and can beget pride or insecurity. Faith embraces forgiveness and recognizes His perfect completion in us. Religion asks, “What must I do to be worthy or to qualify?” Faith says, “I am His, and He is mine, and I am satisfied and fully accepted in Him”
I invite you to take a moment for yourself. Open your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask His Spirit to reveal the beautiful difference between religion and faith as you read. Enjoy the journey as He shares God’s wonderful revelation-knowledge with you, helping you understand what it truly means to love the Lord with all your heart, energy, and thoughts. As you seek Him, I pray your faith blossoms deeper and richer, rooted in a personal relationship with the One who loves you deeply and unconditionally, in Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen!
Comments