The principle of karma is a basic tenet of Hinduism and Buddhism. It is based on the law of causality--your intentions and actions determine the outcome of your future. Or, in other words, “You will get what you deserve.” This is not much different from the Christian concept of “reaping what you sow.” (Galatians 6:7)
Most of us can agree that there are consequences to our actions. Yet, we can also observe that people with the best intentions and good behavior still end up suffering. Some of us are blessed much more than we deserve. Some of us face many more struggles than we deserve.
Grace (in Christian theology) is defined as unmerited, unearned, undeserved favor from God. It is beyond causality. The principle of cause and effect is undeniable--it is part of the natural order of things. However, on both sides of this principle, we see supernatural exceptions. If there is a benevolent God who shows us more kindness and mercy than we deserve, then there must also be a malevolent spirit who persecutes us beyond what is justified. I think of it as three zones that overlap slightly: the oppression zone, the karma zone, and the grace zone. If only we could stay in the grace zone all the time!
“Sin is no longer your master...for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” (Rom 6:14 NLT)
Sin--whatever separates us from God--no longer has power over us. We don’t have to live under the law of causality either. Instead, we can choose to live in the freedom of God’s grace zone.
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