Set Free!

“In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God’s grace.”  (Ephesians 1:7  NCV)

As a pastor I counseled those struggling with self destructive behavior that threatened to destroy their lives and the lives of those that loved them.

Yet, I also realize we all struggle at times with our own self destructive behaviors.  It may not be drug addiction or alcoholism, though it could.  But what about workaholism, dysfunctional ways of relating to people, destructive emotional responses?

Often the only reaction is more counseling with a few techniques thrown in to help delay the descent.  And while those patches may help for a time in the end I’ve watched far too many slide further.

Why?  Because the heart needs to change.  The mind needs to reboot.  The soul needs to be remade.

And that is exactly what we’re promised here.  That as we ask we’re forgiven but also given so much more.  God lavishes his love upon us and changes us from the inside so our lives change on the outside.

In a word, we’re set free.

From addictions that consume our lives.

The negative ways we relate to people that destroys our relationships.

The endless racing so we never face our demons.

Set free to live life in a whole new way.  A life of meaning, power and victory.

We can live free or stay enslaved the choice is ours.

How has God set you free?