Thankful Thirty – Boundaries and the Gift of Freedom
I like to know the boundaries. What works. What doesn’t. Then I usually move the boundaries in just a bit for extra safety.
Why?
Because inside the boundaries I’m free to be me. I don’t have to worry about disasters or their consequences. I’m sure I sound terribly boring to you risk takers, but I’ve never liked living on the edge. I like the freedom found in the middle.
More importantly I love the freedom that comes from God’s grace, mercy, and love. Freedom given in and through Jesus. Through forgiveness. And in knowing God’s will inside His boundaries. There is safety, joy, and happiness found in that space. Blessings that will never fail and that can never be taken away.
God’s gift of freedom. Not given by nation or people. Not found in opinion or attitude. But freedom founded on the person of Jesus. On Truth.
That to me is the blessing of freedom.
Quotes
So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:6–7
“There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.” ~Charles Kingsley
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
“To serve God, to love God, to enjoy God, is the sweetest freedom in the world.” ~Thomas Watson
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
“The fear of man strangles us, because we can never please everybody; but the fear of the Lord frees us, because it challenges us to live and serve for an audience of One.” ~Paul Chappell
God sent Him (Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. Galatians 4:5
“The paradox of faith is that when we conform our lives to Christ then we gain our true freedom. And its fruit is profound and lasting happiness.” ~Vincent Nichols
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
Friends you and I have been given a wonderful gift. Freedom to choose. Freedom of thought. Freedom of action. How and what we do with it is up to us.
But…
We are not left alone to figure it out.
With the gift God gives us truth and direction. He gives us His Spirit who pours into us everything we need to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23) Everything we need to live in freedom, safely inside the boundaries.
Father, Thank you for the gift of freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom through forgiveness. Freedom in Jesus! Your grace truly is amazing. Forgive me for misusing Your gift and help me to use it well going forward. Help me to use it to love and serve You well. In and through my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.
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My favorite gift is the freedom to come to Him when we fail. There is no condemnation, only the joyful relief of being welcomed home!
Blessings, Joan
Oh, I agree Joan. That is the very best – freedom found in His grace-filled forgiveness. Blessings!
True freedom is found only in and through Jesus. Great inspiration and reminder here, Deb!
Blessings!
I’m going to spend the month of January taking a close look at what living in freedom really means to me and finding practical ways to apply to life circumstances. He has removed the shackles and I want to live free! Blessings!
This is one of my favorite verses! The truth is one of the most freeing things. I believe in honesty. The Freedom that we have can be used to do so much more!
Jovanhanna – I believe in honesty too. Isn’t it a blessing to love and serve the One who cannot lie . . . who IS truth. Living under His freedom is where there is joy, peace, and contentment. Blessings!