God sets us free from the penalty and power of sin (Salvation) through our faith in Jesus Christ. We can declare, without apprehension or reservation, we have been set free. Yet, experientially, those who have been set free by God can still find themselves in bondage to sinful behavior, destructive thoughts/habits, unhealthy relationships, and other forms of chains that the adversary uses to keep God’s children stuck and stymied. The prayer is that the freedom we have in salvation will be matched by the freedom we live in our process of sanctification. We don’t want to simply be declared free; we want to live in that freedom. The Bible says, “For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).

The Bible says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). This is a definitive declaration of liberation through the power of Jesus Christ. As God’s children, we have the power and privilege of living liberated and free from anything and everything that would try to hinder God’s purposes and power in our lives. We can live free from all forms of oppression (spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, relational, financial, etc.) that hold us back from God’s love and living in the reality of God’s reign in our lives. Experiencing this freedom requires that we abide in the Word of God and God’s truth. This means that all forms of bondage are a result of believing or living the lies the deceiver tells us.

This year, we will focus on living in the freedom that God has purposed for us, through breaking free, experientially, from all forms of bondage that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s favor for our lives. We are no longer bound! We are free indeed! So, as the children of God, let us live free!