Often times religion and relationship with God are mixed up. However, these are two different ways of reaching your maker. Religion simply put is a set of rules, doctrines, beliefs or obligations you follow to worship God.
It usually comes with personal efforts to follow these rules; you try so hard not to falter in keeping them. Sometimes when you fail in observing these rules, not only do you feel very guilty and sometimes cannot forgive yourself but also you feel you like you have disappointed others. Religion often has a tinge of fanaticism.
On the contrary, a relationship with God is deep and intimate. It develops more when we have the love of God in our heart and want to live for him. When you have a personal relationship with God, you have the assurance that God has a special and unconditional love for you. He recognizes that you are human and sometimes will make mistakes. This means that even when you trespass you are certain that you will receive forgiveness once you reach out to him with a sincere heart.
Be encouraged to have a good personal relationship with God rather, not feeling obliged to obey some rules and regulations.
Princeton Hines
