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marbella3 70F
2483 posts
1/27/2021 4:50 am

Last Read:
1/28/2021 4:26 am

Free at Last

Bible in a Year:
Exodus 16–18

Matthew 18:1–20
If the sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36

Today's Scripture & Insight:

John 8:31–36
Twenty long years passed before British journalist John McCarthy—a five-year hostage during Lebanon’s grueling civil war—met the man who negotiated his release. When McCarthy finally met U.N. envoy Giandomenico Picco, McCarthy simply said, “Thank you for my freedom!” His heartfelt words carried great weight because Picco had risked his own life during dangerous negotiations to secure freedom for McCarthy and others.

We as believers can relate to such hard-won freedom. Jesus gave up His life—enduring death on a Roman cross—to secure spiritual freedom for all people, including each of us. Now as His , we know “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” the apostle Paul boldly declared (Galatians 5:1).

The gospel of John also teaches of freedom in Christ, noting, “If the sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

But free in what ways? In Jesus, we experience freedom not only from sin and its hold on us but also from guilt, shame, worry, Satan’s lies, superstitions, false teaching, and eternal death. No longer hostages, we have freedom to show love to enemies, walk in kindness, live with hope, and love our neighbors. As we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, we can forgive as we’ve been forgiven.

For all of this, let’s thank God today. Then let’s love so others will know the power of His freedom too.

Reflect & Pray
What spiritual chains still hold you hostage? As you release those chains to God, what words can you use to thank Him for setting you free?

Dear liberating God, thank You for my freedom—for setting me free from spiritual death and releasing me to love.


MrsJoe 76F
17396 posts
1/27/2021 5:20 am

All I can say to this is amen. Thank you Lord, you are my Lord.

Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


TxJW_25 81M

1/27/2021 5:44 am

everyone is born free until man places a stigma upon himself.


Katie_au_lait 78F
7026 posts
1/27/2021 11:04 am

Well said TX!