Living Free

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

Are you and I living free? God says there are signs that will indicate to us whether or not we are.  If we are living free we will be able to say “yes” and “no” at appropriate times.  When we have made a wise choice, we will “stick with it”, regardless of changing circumstances. 

Living free is established when we turn our lives over to God and invite Him to show us how to live and then obey what He tells us. Through God’s power, we become empowered to choose for life and truth. Without God’s power, we make choices that ultimately hurt ourselves and others.

Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong. (Matthew 5:37 MSG)

To live free we need to say “no” to our old way of life and “yes” to the new way.  We need to leave behind our old haunts and the people there who have lost touch with God and perhaps even with reality itself.  We need to get rid of all the lies and pretense and start to live in the truth.  We need to stop quarreling with others and guard our tongues from angry words.  We need to let the love of God fill our hearts.  We need to be kind to others and forgive those who hurt us just as Christ has forgiven us.  God’s Holy Spirit will enable us to live life to the full; we just need to let Him guide us.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:30 NLT)     

As we go forward in our life with Christ we should be clear in our minds that God does not condemn us if we fall down in an area where we are trying to be free.  God sent Jesus into the world not to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. We need to be aware of our weaknesses and confess our sins to God and acknowledge that He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from every unrighteous thing.  The way to live free from condemnation, whether it is of self or others, is to acknowledge the truth that God does not condemn us. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 NKJV)

Remember, living free requires that we be doers of the word of God and not hearers only.  Each day we can begin fresh because the mercy of God is new every morning.  Great is His faithfulness!

©2014 Partners in Hope