Let the subject of record be freedom today. The freedom of which Im speaking is that afforded all of us through our recognition of the truth of Jesus Christ. There is something quite liberating when you know or realize that you have been set free. Have you ever thought about what that really means? The word release comes to my mind. Some claim relief is how they understand it. However you want to describe it, I think the revelation of Jesus as Lord and Savior removes a lot of barriers and obstacles and burdens that we as human beings place upon ourselves along with the expectations of life as we have come to know it, as well. Thats why I believe as people initially come to Christ they are overcome by a fresh perspective about life, an enlightened one.

In a real sense, addictions are finally overcome, hurt feelings are healed, guilt is removed and insecurities conquered when Jesus is allowed to enter the picture. One of the biggest things that happens when Christ enters your life is that fears are conquered. And if were honest with ourselves, we all have fears. I know I do. It can be the fear of being alone, of being humiliated, ostracized or even the fear of dying. The knowledge of Christ in all of these situations cancels those fears. Thats what I believe people mean when they say set free. Thats how Ive come to understand real joy. In that context of spiritual awareness being blood bought and saved, I have been set free from fear, worry, anger, greed, selfishness, self-doubt and even self-hate.

These things have hopefully been replaced with honesty and integrity, hope and truth, the promise of everlasting life, confidence and yeah, I know above all, love. One of the hardest things to understand in this life, and then act upon, is this love yourself thing. God even commands us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Without Christ in your life, I believe that the concept of self-love can sometimes be distorted and can, in many cases, become perverted. Love along with humility is an awesome thing. When love is set free within you, life takes on a whole new meaning. You no longer have to live in the shadows of pretense; rather, you can now live in the light of truth. I can be who I really am and so can you. Then the world will see you as God sees you and not who you think it ought to see. I am who God made. If thats good enough for God, then certainly its good enough for anyone who wants to deal with me, including you. I am free and it is wonderful. Freedom is my gift from God, blood bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. Know the truth and the truth shall set you free. You are not what the world would have you be. You are what God made you to be. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Now go tell that.

May God bless and bless and keep you always.

See the rest here:

Freedom is recognized through Jesus Christ - The Philadelphia Tribune