Spiritual Freedom

 

    

    If you are a Christian, then do not live like you are a slave to this world.  Slavery is a burden.  It is hard.  A Christian has been freed from that burden.  Don't live like you still carry it.  Learn how to change and allow yourself to be free from the memory of the burden.  

    Don't live like a Pharisee held down by the laws of how things should be.  The world is not that black and white.  Jesus looks at the heart and soul.  We should at least try to do it that way.  We will make mistakes, but don't alienate yourself for them.  Accept that you made a mistake, seek redemption, learn from it, and move on to do better next time.  Mistakes are not intentional sin and it is just as important to remember that as it is to learn from them.

    A life of faith leads to grace that awaits righteous hope.  It is expressed in love.  Not the love of the world which is based on convenience, animalistic urges, or selfishness.  It is love like Jesus displayed in his life.  This love will not indulge the sinful nature.  What was once acceptable now has become repulsive because your worldview has changed to look like God's worldview.

    Serve one another in love.  If you serve out of duty or because you feel like you have tom then it is not genuine.  Service without love destroys because Satan will manipulate it.  Living your life with the Holy Spirit is the only way to live a life without regret.  He clarifies things.  Things that were once confusing becomes clear.  The sinful nature becomes obvious, so that you can avoid it.  What was appealing is now repulsive: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, angry outburst, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, addiction, carousing, or anything else that the Holy Spirit does not approve.

    The fruit of the Spirit is what gives life purpose and joy.  It is what makes life better even when none of the circumstances change.  It has no law to hold it back because it is pure and good: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Nothing should hold back what is good and loving in the world.  It is what enables us to treat everyone well.  Love is the key to living.  The sinful nature will destroy love if you let it.

Galatians 5