Identity: We Are Free

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
-Romans 8:1, 2

Freedom. We all want it. We think it is owed to us. But what does it mean to be free.

In America, we think of our freedom in terms of our rights. Our right to free speech. Our right to assemble. Our religious liberty. Our right to bear arms.

In the 1970’s, women signified their freedom by burning their bras. 

Teenagers have a distinct definition of freedom that mostly involves freedom from their parents’ rules. 

There are lots of ways to define freedom. But the freedom we should most be concerned about is the freedom that God offers.  As a follower of Christ, we have freedom from sin.  We are no longer slaves to sin. When we mess up and sin, the Lord is quick to forgive. 

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
-Psalms 103:10-13

Our heavenly father is tender and compassionate to us. He offers freedom from our sins in a gentle, kind way. 

That is true hope. Without the forgiveness of our sins the Lord offers, I would be hopeless.

As a Hope Mommy, I will never be free from the sorrow of burying a child. But because of the hope that I have in Christ, I am free from anger and bitterness. I am free to be joyful and hopeful. I am free to love and to share the Lord’s love.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
-Psalm 30:5b

I am free.

I want to be marked by my freedom – not by my sorrow.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty, by which Christ has made us free,
and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
-Galatians 5:1 

Christ has freed us and when we rely on Him, we do not have to be in bondage to a heavy yoke of anger, bitterness, guilt, sorrow, or regret.  We can throw off the chains of those things that weigh us down and walk in freedom.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
-Matthew 11:30

Wait, did you catch that? My yoke. My burden. We like to think that we don’t have a yoke or a burden if we are Christ followers. This scripture suggests that we do. But it is the Lord’s yoke and burden. It is not ours. We give our burdens – those things that weigh us down – to the Lord and He gives us His burden, which is light and easy.  What an incredible exchange. 

What burden do you need to give to Jesus? What sin have you been carrying around?  Jesus is waiting to take your burden and offer you true freedom.

You offer sorrow. He offers joy.
You offer anger. He offers peace.
You offer bitterness. He offers compassion.
You offer guilt. He offers grace.
You offer sin. He offers forgiveness.
You offer pain. He offers purpose.

The Lord laid down His life so that you could have freedom. So that you can declare – I am free.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.  A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
-John 8:34-36

By allowing Jesus to be your Savior, He will set you free. Truly free.

I am free. Thank you, Jesus. I am free.

Shelly D. Templin is an author, speaker and blogger that shares a message of hope –
with humor. She has three daughters, a son-in- law, and a granddaughter. Shelly
lives in Texas with her husband, Jack, of 29 years and their two dogs.
www.shellydtemplin.com
www.facebook.com/chucklesinthechaos/