“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” – Galatians 5:1
Have you ever felt trapped? Trapped by your past, by expectations, by guilt, by a nagging voice inside that tells you, “You’re not good enough”? You’re not alone. Many of us, even as believers, carry invisible chains. But here’s the good news: Jesus came to set us free—not just from sin, but from the burden of trying to prove ourselves worthy of God’s love.
The Trap of Striving
For years, I believed that following Jesus meant I had to constantly strive—to be perfect, to do everything right, to never mess up. I thought that if I could just pray harder, serve more, or try better, then God would be pleased with me. But deep inside, I was exhausted. I had unknowingly fallen into the same trap that Paul warned the Galatians about: trying to earn what has already been freely given.
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a passionate reminder that we are saved by grace, not by works. Galatians 5:4 says, “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” That verse hit me hard. I realized I had been living as though Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough—as if I needed to add something to His finished work.
Grace Over Legalism
Legalism sneaks in when we start thinking our efforts make us more righteous. It whispers, “You haven’t done enough.” It puts pressure on us to check every religious box, thinking that somehow, God’s love is based on our performance. But that’s not the Gospel.
The Gospel says: Jesus + Nothing = Everything.
Our righteousness is not based on what we do but on what Jesus has already done. He fulfilled the law, bore our sins, and declared, “It is finished.” The moment we accepted Him, we became fully accepted, fully loved, and fully free. No amount of striving can add to that.
Walking in the Spirit, Not the Flesh
Does this mean we can live however we want? Paul addresses this too. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
True freedom isn’t about doing whatever pleases us—it’s about living by the Spirit. When we walk by the Spirit, our lives begin to reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is not something we manufacture by sheer willpower—it’s the natural fruit of staying close to Jesus.
For me, this was a game-changer. Instead of striving to be “better,” I began to focus on being with Jesus—spending time in His presence, surrendering daily, and allowing His Spirit to work in me. The more I trusted Him, the more I saw these fruits grow effortlessly in my life.
Breaking Free From the Past
Maybe you’re struggling with a past mistake. Maybe you feel weighed down by guilt or shame. But listen—Jesus didn’t just forgive you, He set you free.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Your past doesn’t define you. Your failures don’t determine your future. In Christ, you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Walk in that truth.
Living in Freedom Every Day
So how do we live in this freedom daily? Here are three simple reminders:
1️⃣ Abide in Jesus – Freedom isn’t found in trying harder; it’s found in staying close to Jesus (John 15:5). Spend time in His Word, worship, and prayer.
2️⃣ Let Go of Legalism – You don’t have to earn God’s love. Rest in the grace He has already given you.
3️⃣ Walk by the Spirit – Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your decisions, guide your steps, and produce fruit in your life.
A Call to Surrender
Friend, Jesus is calling you to live in His freedom today. No more striving. No more guilt. Just grace. Just Him.
Will you surrender? Will you trust that what He did on the cross was enough?
If this resonates with you, pray this simple prayer:
“Jesus, I surrender. I let go of striving, guilt, and fear. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me walk in the freedom You paid for. In Your name, Amen.”
If this message blessed you, share it with someone who needs to hear about the freedom found in Christ. Let’s spread His love and grace together! 🙌🔥
