Christian Freedom #2 — Gracious Freedom

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. … For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:1, 13

By virtue of a relationship with Jesus, we can be free: free from legalism, from the power of Satan, from fear of what others may do to us, and from the cultural restrictions of the Mosaic law. But the freedom we have in Christ is not just freedom from problems, it is freedom to pursue the fullness of life. For example, a large and unexpected inheritance frees us to choose whatever lifestyle we desire. Similarly, a patient, whose doctor releases him from the confinement of his disease, is free to live as healthy people live. So being delivered from the poverty of self-sufficiency — by faith in the future grace promised and guaranteed in Jesus — frees us to pursue the abundant life he makes available. He set us free so we can enjoy experiencing the fullness of the grace of God. This enjoyment can best be accomplished by avoiding self-indulgence, and by extending God’s grace to others in love. For this shows off the satisfying completeness of our freedom as joint heirs with Christ.

Gracious Redeemer, I still fight the inclination to grasp and to hoard, to worry and to hide. Help me to remember the freedom of your love so I can love as freely as you. Amen.