“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.” (Gal. 5:1)
Freedom from What?
Freedom from Guilt and Shame
One of the biggest benefits of being free in Christ is not having to carry guilt around. No matter what you’ve done, you can be forgiven. That doesn’t mean consequences disappear, but it does mean your relationship with God isn’t broken forever. You don’t have to hide in shame. You can move forward, knowing you are loved.
Freedom from Fear
A lot of people worry about what others think, about the future, or about whether they’re “good enough.” Freedom in Christ means you don’t have to live in fear anymore. God loves you just as you are and promises to be with you through anything.
Freedom from Having to “Earn” God’s Love
Sometimes religion can feel like a list of dos and don’ts. But Jesus taught that God’s love is a free gift. You don’t have to work yourself to the bone to earn it. You can’t rack up enough “good deeds” to tip the scale. Instead, you simply accept what Jesus did for you. That’s freedom.
Freedom to Live Differently
It’s not just about what you’re free from—it’s about what you’re free for! Because of Jesus, you’re free to love without holding back. You can forgive others and yourself. You can live with real joy and peace. You’re free to become the best version of yourself, the one God created you to be.
What Does Living in Freedom Look Like?
Living in freedom doesn’t mean you’re perfect or that life is always easy. But it does mean you’re not alone, and you don’t have to be held back by your past.
- Being Honest: You can be real about your struggles, because you know you’re loved, mistakes and all.
- Letting Go: You can forgive and move on, not because you “have to,” but because you’re free to.
- Helping Others: Because you’ve experienced freedom, you want others to experience it too. That can mean helping, loving, and encouraging people, no matter where they are in life.
- Finding Purpose: Freedom in Christ gives your life a new direction. You’re not just wandering—you have a purpose, and that’s to love God and love people.
Common Myths About Freedom in Christ
- Myth: Freedom in Christ means you can do whatever you want. The truth is, freedom doesn’t mean chaos or selfishness. It means being free from what drags you down, so you can become who you were meant to be.
- Myth: You have to be “good enough” for God. Actually, nobody is good enough—and that’s okay! God’s love and freedom are gifts, not prizes for good behavior.
- Myth: Christians never struggle. Everyone has tough times. The difference is, you don’t have to face them alone. You have God’s strength and support.
How Can You Experience This Freedom?
It starts by trusting Jesus. Believe that he really did what the Bible says. He died for your mistakes and rose again to give you new life. You can talk to God anytime, anywhere, in your own words. Tell Him your worries, your hurts, your questions. Ask for help, for forgiveness, for guidance. That’s what a relationship with God is all about.
It’s also helpful to connect with others who are learning about this freedom too. We’re meant to support each other as we grow. This support can come through a church, a small group, or just a friend who “gets it.”
Freedom Is an Ongoing Journey
Remember, you won’t always feel “free” every day. Sometimes old habits or feelings sneak back in. That’s normal! The good news is that God’s love doesn’t change, and the freedom He offers is always available. Over time, you’ll find that fear, guilt, and anger used to control you. They lose their grip as you trust Jesus more and more.
Final Thoughts
Freedom in Christ isn’t about rules or religion—it’s about a relationship. It’s about letting go of what weighs you down and stepping into the life you were made for. Anyone can experience this freedom, no matter where they come from or what they’ve done.
If you’ve ever wondered if your past is too messy. Or if you’ll ever be “good enough.” Remember: Jesus offers freedom, forgiveness, and a fresh start to everyone. All you have to do is accept it.
That’s the simple, powerful truth of freedom in Christ.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 