Forgivenessনমুনা

Imagine yourself in a court of law….

There’s a long list of everything you’ve ever done that has hurt others right there before you. Everything that doesn’t measure up to God’s standard of goodness.

It’s all true, and it’s a lot.

You and I, we are guilty.

But then, Jesus steps in. He gives His life in your place—taking the punishment for everything you’ve ever done wrong.

That’s real! The punishment He took…purchased our freedom.

You have been set free!

Romans 6:16 says…

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

Sin is a cruel master that robs us of power and it leaves us weak and desperate. It's got a short-term pleasure, yes, but gradually it takes more and more, and gives less and less in return.

Left unchecked, it consumes us.

But God is a gracious, tender, and loving Father. He empowers us to choose rightly. All-powerful, yet kind, He won’t manipulate you to force you into serving Him. The choice to obey Him is yours alone. Following Jesus’ ways is an act of love, and honor, and trust in Him.

God is faithful and able to gently show you when you’re getting off track. And He is faithful and able to forgive you.

Sin is the taker—God is the giver. Obeying Him is the truest kind of freedom.

Before we met Jesus, we were ruled by sin. It was our rebellious nature!

For some of us, our sins were blatant and obvious. For others, it’s harder to see. Maybe you were just searching for meaning, and wandering in the wrong places.

Either way, sin is not in charge anymore. Jesus is!

God gave us a promise in Romans 6. Hold onto this truth:

Sin is no longer our master, for we no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, we live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Here’s the best part… obeying His commands isn’t an attempt to earn God’s love. You already have ALL His love!

We offer God our obedience because we love Him. Being free in Christ doesn’t mean you’re free to do whatever you want. It means you’re free to give God all parts of your life. You’re no longer bound by sin’s enslaving power.

Let’s pray…

Thank You, God, that You rule with love, not force. You are a giver, not a taker. Help us follow Your ways—they’re so much better than our ways. Give me Your grace to live in freedom from the sin that once enslaved me. Amen.