How to Be Free Indeed
Every human heart yearns to be free.
Deep down, we desire to unlock the door, break the shackles and run freely into a limitless future.
We don’t want structures or organizations or authority figures to tell us what we can and can’t do. We want high speed access to the world and all its glorious opportunities.
Unfettered Freedom
But what happens when someone’s unfettered freedom tramples on our life and opportunities?
Whether it’s a random shooting or racial oppression, the horror of human trafficking or the abuse inflicted by an alcoholic parent, human beings have a disturbing capacity to use our God-given freedom to do unspeakable things to one another. Sadly, the abuse of freedom can lock us in a prison of pain that ties us to our perpetrators.
Without a process for letting go of deep hurt, there is no freedom to create a new future. We are bound to unending cycles of retaliation and recurring pain.
A Way Out
But there is a way out. Years ago, a woman in Rwanda, Deborah Niyakabirika, faced every parent’s worst nightmare. Her son was murdered in an isolated act of ethnic vengeance.
Months after the killing, a young man visited Deborah.
“I killed your son,” he said. “Take me to the authorities and let them deal with me as they will. I have not slept since I shot him. Every time I lie down, I see you praying, and I know you are praying for me.”
Deborah answered, “You are no longer an animal, but a man taking responsibility for your actions. I do not want to add death to death.”
Deborah then made a stunning request. “But I want you to restore justice by replacing the son you killed. I am asking you to become my son. When you visit me, I will care for you.”
Today, to his utter amazement, that young man is an adopted member of her household. It’s what the truth can do.
Set Free
Jesus said,
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32 (NIV)
The whole truth followed by forgiveness unbinds us from the past.
Is there any hurt you’re carrying, any wound from the past that is still festering? Is there an angry fist inside you demanding justice, satisfaction, or revenge? If so, it is a prison, and you won’t be released by retaliation.
The liberation we need most in human life is a freedom of the heart – a release from the bondage of sin, of endless grievances, and the desire for revenge. We need the truth followed by forgiveness.
Only then will we be free indeed.
It’s Here!
Excited to share that Kinda Christian Workbook released May 26! It is designed to help individuals, small groups and classes who want to go on a deeper journey with Jesus. It’s a companion book to Kinda Christian: From Curious to Serious About Jesus.
The workbook includes much of the original content of Kinda Christian, but it also offers space to reflect on newly added questions, exercises, and journal prompts to help integrate life-giving spiritual practices into our daily lives.
Individual workbooks as well as bulk discount prices for churches and groups are available only at Invite Ministries here.