Freedom in Christ

What does it truly mean to have freedom in Christ?

When I think of freedom in Christ, I think of a life that is lived fearlessly. I think of the peace that God fills us with when we
surround ourselves with Him. I think of the freedom I feel when I am comforted by the knowledge that God loves me, and how He desperately desires me to be in His Kingdom, and I think of a life filled with hope that I will be there. I think of His Grace & Mercy, and His abundant forgiveness...I think of Romans 8:1 and that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I think of Psalm 139 and how God knows every word I pray before i pray it, every word i speak before I speak it. I think of the freedom I have to make brave, bold and daring decisions knowing full well that 'Gods got my back' and knows my decisions ahead of time, and uses them for His greater purpose and for the good of those around me. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

Although all these things that spring to mind represent freedom in Christ to me, Gods greatest commandment to us is to firstly, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind", and secondly to "Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39.  So Jesus wants us to love one another and serve one another, but first and foremost, Jesus wants our total devotion and love for Him. It is from hearts filled with love for Him that all good works and acts of love flow. Through love, we can experience freedom. But with the freedom comes the other side of the coin: responsibility. We are free to do, but we are responsible to love. We are free to eat and drink, but we are responsible to give and share what we have. We are free to accept the full grace of God, but we are responsible to share this good news.

Freedom in Christ is to do what we know is right without fear of judgement, and it's to give others the freedom to do the same.

So does freedom in Christ mean we have the freedom to behave and do whatever we like? No way! Churches were told off by Paul and the other apostles for using freedom in Christ as a scapegoat for their bad behavior. "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? " Romans 6:1 - 2.
"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:16.

We are free from many things. A huge list, in fact. Sin, the law (unclean/clean etc), fear, worry and so much more. So, yes, we are free. We are so totally free. But we can't forget the other side of the coin: we are so, so totally responsible.

So what is Freedom in Christ then? I think it is the peace of mind that we are covered by the blood of Christ...but also acknowledging the sacred responsibility we have to love and show love to others. To be free can be summed up by this statement: to both love and be loved ridiculously, ceaselessly and completely.

What amazing freedom that is.