He Sets Men Free

The concept of Christian freedom is difficult. But people in bondage to slavery or individuals serving time in prison have claimed that Jesus sets them free. One youth said, I am free to love instead of hate.

Jesus teaches inner freedom as something separate from and different than outward conditions. He said, If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (Jn. 8:31,32 RSV)

This type of freedom occurs in the inner man, in the private life where we experience personal joy. It is freedom from the inclination to sin, and we need it at every stage of life regardless of our circumstances.

Our great joy is knowing Jesus as truth and allowing His truth to work in us. Jesus promises freedom.

Originally published January 8, 1982.

Picture: Karen's garden, Winona, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Restrictions, Rights, and Freedom

Occasionally we hear much about restrictions—they’re supposed to be bad because they limit freedom. Or we hear about rights—they’re supposed to be good because they allow freedom.

But perhaps true freedom is unrelated to either rights or restrictions. What if it’s related to the desires of the heart. Paul had something like that in mind when he said, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (II Cor. 3:17 NKJV)

How can that be?

When we respond to God in love, He grows fruit in our lives. And, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Gal. 4:22-23)

When the Spirit of the Lord operates in our hearts, we are free from greed, free from competition, free from pretense, free from hate. Even though these are natural human traits, if we let Him, God can gradually remove them and the hurts they’ve created. And then we are truly free. Free to respond with openness to God and to others.

Originally published May 21, 1993.

Picture: Container flowers, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.