Living in Increase (Part 11) - Increase in JoyÀpẹrẹ

Week 5: Freedom

Freedom in Christ

Freedom in this Scripture means the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. Because Christ set us free, we should stand firm on God’s Word, have faith, and not let ourselves be burdened or weighed down again--but burdened by what? What does the “yoke of slavery” mean)?

In this case, a “yoke” is a wooden crosspiece used to connect two animals by the neck. It would then attach to a plow or cart for pulling. When we allow ourselves to be weighed down and attached to carrying around our sin, we are then slaves to it. But Christ has set us free. When we admit we’ve sinned, believe that Jesus is our Savior, and commit our life to Him, we no longer have to be bogged down by our sins. Jesus gave His life for us so that we could be free.

One of the most natural reactions we should experience after being set free is JOY. When we unburden ourselves from “a yoke of slavery,” we should feel relief and be joyful!

Monica Barnes

Action Step: Take a deep breath at this moment. On your exhale, detach yourself from that wooden crosspiece of sin, regret, shame, or guilt, and be free to increase your joy!