“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1

I write about freedom a lot, because I struggle in this area.  I go back and forth between feeling complete freedom, to allowing myself to be weighed down by rules that I give myself.

The thing is, Christ has died for all of our sins… not just some.  The price has been paid.  Victory and freedom are ours!  There’s nothing that we have to do to earn salvation.  It’s not about what we do or don’t do; it’s about knowing Him.  Period.  And through knowing Him, we desire to love others.  That’s what He has called us to!  Period.

Yes, there are things that are not beneficial to us… and His word tells us about those things.  We are to strive to become more like Christ, with His power.  But, we don’t do those things out of guilt, or the desire for perfection (pride).

Jesus has given us freedom.  Freedom to live and to love.  Freedom to share Him with others without the distractions that this world throws at us.

When I weigh myself down with expectations (that aren’t even necessarily from Him), I am unable to focus on anything else.  I am burdened daily because I constantly feel like I don’t live up.

Jesus loves me, this I know!  He wants me to have peace in this world, and to stop trying to be something that isn’t necessary.  He wants me to be able to love without distraction.

Living life is more than focusing on food.  Living life is more than focusing on what I could do better.  Living life means loving… loving Christ, loving others, and being willing to surrender it all so that I can be used by Him for His glory.  There’s so much freedom in His love!

You are loved more than you will ever know.  Think about what you feel guilty about this morning.  Take a step back.  Realize that Christ died for your sin!  Thank Him and ask Him to give you freedom from that guilt!  Walk in that freedom by loving Him and others without distraction!

Stop trying to tie the chains together that Christ has broken!  You are free; let go.  Surrender.

“For the chains of sin that once entangled me
Have been broken, now I’m singing ’cause I’m free
There is liberty, there is liberty,
There is liberty

For freedom You set me free
And yes, I am free indeed
You rewrote my name
And shackled my shame
You opened my eyes to see
I am free”

Shane and Shane- Liberty

“For lent, I’m giving up again.” Louie Giglio

I agree.