I’ve messed up again. Made that same mistake I’ve already made a dozen times. I really blew it.
How can God approve of me and really love me through my many sins?
I’ve literally felt this way more times than I can count. I’ve beaten myself up to the point of feeling numb and unworthy.
Where does this come from? If we believe Jesus is our one true Savior and have His Spirit living within us, why do we feel unworthy of His love when we falter?
The best and also the simplest answer to all of that…we are slaves to our sin.
It’s time we learn to break those chains and find freedom in the loving arms of Christ.
The Sin Trap
Even as believers, we are constantly at battle between doing the “right” things and falling under the trap of sin.
We try to make good choices and be the best version of who God created us to be, but there’s times we slip up and do things we’re not proud of.
If we’re not proud of it, we know God definitely isn’t.
We end up beating ourselves up so much that it causes us to sin even more. We don’t give ourselves grace and miss out on seeing God’s grace as well.
Sin is inevitable in our lives. We’re imperfect beings living in an imperfect world. That doesn’t mean we should enjoy sinning or not care when we do. It just means we need to recognize the grace of God and in that, try to be the best we can.
We fall into the sin trap regularly. In order to get better and steering around it, we need to stay in God’s Word constantly, pray to Him regularly for strength and wisdom and surround ourselves with people that will lead us positively.
Finding Freedom
So, how do we not become enslaved to our sin and find the ultimate freedom in Christ?
I think the best place to start is by focusing on who God says we are. Not the world. Not our own view. Just God.
God says this about us:
We are CREATED in His image – “So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God.” -Genesis 1:27 CSB
We are FORGIVEN in Christ – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -1 John 1:9 CSB
We are CHOSEN by God – “For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.” -Ephesians 1:4 CSB
We are LOVED unconditionally – “and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” -Ephesians 5:2 CSB
We are REDEEMED – “He saved them from the power of the adversary; he redeemed them from the power of the enemy.” -Psalms 106:10 CSB
When we read those words, we need to truly believe them. They hold the power and honesty of God. His words are always true and can/should be trusted. Read them over and over until they stick if you have to. Just don’t stop believing them.
Beautiful Release
In order to truly seek the freedom we have in Christ, we have to let go of our burdens (fear, shame, guilt, etc.) and inability to forgive ourselves and others.
It starts with conversation with our Father.
Once we’ve asked for forgiveness, we’re always forgiven. It’s good however to release any quilt we may be carrying about our mistakes. God not only will take it from us, but He truly wants to take it from us.
“Cast all your cares on him, because he cares about you.” -1 Peter 5:7
When we hand it over to Him, it’s a beautiful release of the power of sin over us. It’s in those moments we truly experience what freedom in Christ really means. We step out of our darkness and into God’s radiant light.
Don’t allow your sins to weigh on you. The enemy likes to use your wrongdoings to make you feel less than and pull you away from God. God, however, wants you to draw near to Him and allow Him to carry you through it.
No Longer Slaves
We are children of God and we were created not only in His own image, but to serve Him and bring glory to His name.
“God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.” -Psalms 57:11 CSB
That doesn’t equate to us being perfect like God. We can’t because we were born in a broken and imperfect world.
We mess up and will continue to do so…a LOT. That doesn’t make God loves us any less and it doesn’t take away the purpose He’s given to each one of us.
When we shed ourselves of guilt, fear and shame, we let go of the bondage our sins have on us. We are no longer slaves to it, but we are servants of the Lord instead. We seek to serve Him and don’t allow our sins to cloud our view of who He is and who we are in Him.
When we stop allowing ourselves to be slaves of sin, we start allowing ourselves to be enslaved to God and righteousness. He is the only One we should serve, and we should toil and work hard our whole lives for Him.
“Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.” -Ephesians 6:6 CSB
Bought to be Free
Whatever sins are holding you back from experiencing the true freedom in Christ, it’s time to release them. Just let go of their grip on you.
Give them over to your Father.
God “bought” us at a price. That price was the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Jesus paid the ultimate price for each one of us.
He bought us for a purpose, so that we could be eternally free from our sins and death.
“For you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” -1 Corinthians 6:20 CSB
It’s time for us to step out of our past and present guilt and shame and step into the light of God’s freedom. In His arms, we find our true meaning and purpose.
Let’s live with the intent of serving God with our whole hearts and minds. Let’s live as children of God, who are free in His eternal glory and love.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” -Ephesians 5:8 CSB
We are no longer slaves to anything or anyone but our Lord. That is where the only true freedom resides.
Thanks for stopping by and reading this post, friends! Please share if you enjoyed it. 🙂
Laura Thomas
Such a great line-up of Bible verses, Brooke! I love how we can always turn to the Word for wisdom and truth. Freedom in Christ is the ultimate gift 🙂 Also, I’m now singing “No Longer Slaves” in my head on repeat!
groundsandgrace.com
Thanks for reading and leaving feedback, Laura! That’s funny…I actually had that song stuck in my head as I wrote most of this post. 🙂
Tammy
What a wonderful testimony to living in this difficult world, learning to accept His forgiveness, and a beautiful reminder that we are enough! Thank you for sharing!
groundsandgrace.com
Thanks, Tammy! I’m glad you stopped by and read my post! I appreciate your encouraging words. 🙂
Miriam Dwyer
This was such a needed and freeing post. As a blogger, I often have guilt from already forgiven sins holding me back from my ministry. This really brought me back to the truth, thank you!
groundsandgrace.com
I’m so glad, Miriam! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post. I’m so grateful that you could be reminded of God’s truth.