Skip to main content

What Makes Us Free? Living in Forgiveness, Acceptance, and Truth

Two people embracing to symbolize forgiveness and brotherhood in Christ.

 


What Makes Us Free? (Philemon 1:16)

"No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord." – Philemon 1:16

   The journey to freedom, as illustrated in Paul’s letter to Philemon about Onesimus, reveals a transformative process that liberates people from both internal and external bondage. While many may not bear physical chains, countless individuals remain imprisoned by thoughts, emotions, or circumstances that hinder spiritual and emotional liberty. Paul’s appeal to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus as a brother, beautifully demonstrates the divine principles that lead to true freedom. These principles forgiveness, acceptance, and truth empower believers to release burdens and embrace the abundant life God has promised.

   Forgiveness makes us free. By forgiving others and ourselves, we release the weight of past wrongs and reclaim personal peace. Paul urged Philemon to forgive Onesimus, enabling both men to experience freedom from resentment and division. Forgiveness liberates the heart, allowing believers to let go of moments that fell short of God’s best and to walk in mercy and spiritual liberty.

   Acceptance makes us free. Embracing people, places, and situations as they are without striving to control or change them brings inner peace. Paul encouraged Philemon to accept Onesimus’s return, trusting in God’s divine order. Acceptance frees us from the bondage of manipulation and teaches us to rest in God’s sovereignty, knowing that His plans always prevail.

   Truth makes us free. Embracing the truth of God’s love and purpose liberates us from lies and limiting beliefs. When we root our identity in what God says rather than in public opinion, we find strength and confidence. God’s truth anchors us in divine reality, freeing us from fear, comparison, and the need for approval. As Scripture declares, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

   In conclusion: The process of becoming free requires daily engagement with forgiveness, acceptance, and truth just as Paul modeled in his letter to Philemon. Whether facing past hurts, a desire for control, or external judgment, believers can experience divine liberty through these principles. By forgiving daily, accepting others with grace, and standing firm in God’s truth, we live abundantly and inspire others to seek the same freedom. This is the essence of God’s kingdom at work within us the power to live free and help others find freedom in Christ.

What makes us free? (Philemon 1:16)

1. Forgiveness

2. Acceptance

3. Truth

📖 Reflection: What areas of your life need the freeing power of forgiveness, acceptance, or truth today?

💡 Action Step: Choose one area to surrender to God this week. Practice forgiveness, embrace acceptance, and stand firm in His truth.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Universe Means One Thing: Love

  Universe Means One Thing: Love "For all the law is fulfilled in this one word, love: Love your neighbor as yourself."   Galatians 5:14 (KSB)    Sometimes, the word “universe” can feel mysterious even spooky to some. Others think it's irreverent or sacrilegious when used in spiritual conversations. But what if we redefined it? What if “universe” simply meant love? What if it meant God, since God is love?  When we say, “the universe,” we can think of it as pointing to one word love. Just one word. The entire Bible, composed of 66 books and written by over 40 different authors, ultimately speaks to one central theme: love. From beginning to end, this divine book points us toward loving God, loving ourselves, and loving others.  In the Old Testament, God's people had 636 laws civil, ceremonial, and moral. They guided everything from relationships to religious festivals. But then Jesus came and said, “Let me make this simple Love God. Love yourself. L...
Post a Comment
Read more

Refocus Your Faith: How to Overcome Distraction, Disappointment, and Discouragement

  Refocus Your Faith: How to Overcome Distraction, Disappointment, and Discouragement "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."   Galatians 5:6 (KSB)    With everything going on around us, it's easy to feel lost. Distractions come quickly, disappointments pile up, and discouragement sneaks in. We all face these moments. But even when we get off track, there is a way back and that path is through our faith, principles, and core values.  When you live your life anchored in principles, it gives you a compass for when the road gets unclear. Knowing your vision, your mission, and your core values makes it easier to realign when life feels out of control. But if you don’t know who you are, how can you get back to being your best self? If you don’t know what you stand on, what can you stand up on after a fall?    Clarity of purpose keeps you ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hidden Treasure: You Are a Vessel, Not Just an Instrument

I AM Not an Instrument. I AM a Vessel “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KSB) Hidden in Plain Sight The image that Paul presents in 2 Corinthians 4 is that of a treasure hidden within an earthen vessel. In the Old Testament, people didn’t have locks, alarm systems, or cameras to protect their valuables. Instead, their belongings were often left exposed, making them vulnerable to thieves and robbers. To safeguard their most valuable treasures, they would hide them in jars of clay—earthen vessels—placing them in plain sight. A thief or robber would never think to look there because it wasn’t an obvious hiding place. Likewise, God has placed something valuable inside of you—a treasure of great worth. Yet, people often fail to see it. You may be right in front of them, but they don’t recognize your gifts, skills, talents, anointing, abilities, or sensitivities. You are hidden in plain sight bec...
Post a Comment
Read more