You’ve trusted Jesus. You believe in grace. But deep down, you still feel stuck—like no matter how hard you try, you’re falling short.
You’re not alone in that feeling. Many of us believe in the freedom Jesus offers, yet we still live with guilt, fear, and pressure.
If Jesus came to set us free, why does it still feel like we’re carrying a heavy load?
What keeps us from living free?
Even after choosing to follow Jesus, there are struggles we don’t always talk about.
We carry guilt for mistakes we made years ago. We feel like we have to prove our faith or earn God’s love by “doing better.” We compare ourselves to others and wonder why our spiritual life doesn’t look like theirs.
Here’s the truth: it’s possible to be saved and forgiven—and still feel enslaved. That disconnect can leave us wondering if something is wrong with us. But really, it means we need to better understand the kind of freedom Jesus offers us.
What freedom in Christ really means
Galatians 5:1 says, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Freedom in Christ means we’re no longer defined by our past. We don’t have to earn what Jesus already gave us.
This doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want. But it does mean we have a promise for eternity that we can start experiencing right now.
Living free in Christ means:
- You’re at peace with God.
- You can rest in the finished work of Jesus.
- You walk with him daily—without fear, guilt, or shame.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. Jesus didn’t come to burden you with more expectations. He came to free you from them!
How to live in this freedom
One of the biggest things holding us back is the lies we’ve come to believe.
Lie: “I’ll never be enough.”
Truth: “Jesus was enough for me.”
Lie: “God must be disappointed in me.”
Truth: “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
So how do we begin to actually live free?
- Name the guilt or shame you’re still holding. Don’t ignore it—identify it.
- Bring it into the light. Read Scripture, talk to God honestly, or share with someone you trust.
- Make space to be with Jesus. Not to perform for him, but simply to enjoy him.
Living in freedom is less about trying harder and more about trusting deeper.
Freedom in Christ is already yours!
Jesus didn’t save you just so you’d behave better—he saved you to set you free. So what are you still carrying that he already took?
You don’t have to prove yourself anymore. You don’t have to strive or pretend. The freedom Jesus offers is real, personal, and available right now. All you have to do is walk in it.
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Jesus described himself in a lot of ways—”the Light of the World” being one of them. But what did he mean by that, and how does it impact you?
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!