
The Gospel Isn’t Graded on My Performance
From Close to Home Podcast by Chris Russo
April 13, 2026 · 2 min
About this episode
Chris Russo reflects on the tension between striving for God's approval and resting in the grace of the gospel.
In this honest Monday-morning reflection, Chris Russo shares what it feels like to start the day without energy—and the quiet guilt that can come with it. But instead of pushing harder, he’s reminded of a deeper truth: God’s love, presence, and acceptance aren’t based on our performance, but on the finished work of Jesus. Chris unpacks the tension many of us feel between striving and grace, and why it’s so hard to truly believe we don’t have to earn God’s approval. This episode is a simple but powerful invitation to rest in the gospel—and to receive the gift of salvation that’s already been fully paid for. A timely encouragement for anyone feeling weary, behind, or not enough as they start their week.
People in this episode
Host: Chris Russo
Topics covered
- gospel
- performance
- grace
- God's love
- salvation
Keywords
- Monday-morning reflection
- energy
- guilt
- acceptance
- finished work of Jesus
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