Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Freedom - A Gift from God  

Bible portion: St. John 8:31-36

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)  

Devotion
In our world today, the desire for freedom is universal. Yet, true freedom comes with responsibility. It's not  merely about living life according to our own desires; rather, it involves being released from all the  entanglements and bondages that the world can impose. Bondage, in a spiritual or moral sense, often  refers to being trapped or controlled by negative forces or behaviors that limit one's freedom. This can  include addictions, fear, bitterness, greed, toxic relationships, or sinful behavior. These are the chains that  can bind us, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends.  
Consider the illustration of a beautiful bird that has been kept in a cage for years. The cage symbolizes  the constraints and limitations placed on the bird, much like how sin can bind a person. Although the bird  longs to fly, it has grown accustomed to the cage, believing it to be the extent of its world. One day, a kind  person comes and offers the bird a key to the cage, saying, "You are free to go and explore the vast  skies." This key represents the truth and freedom that Jesus offers. In John 8:31-36, Jesus engages in a  discussion with a group of Jews in the temple courts of Jerusalem. His audience includes both believers  and skeptics. Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves adhering to His teachings, which lead to  knowing the truth and experiencing freedom. Some in the crowd question this concept, citing their  heritage as descendants of Abraham and claiming they have never been enslaved. Jesus clarifies that He  is speaking about spiritual bondage to sin, not physical slavery. He explains that everyone who sins is a  slave to sin, contrasting the temporary status of a slave with the permanent status of a son in a  household. Jesus asserts that true freedom is found in being part of God's family through Him.  
 
PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for the freedom that we enjoy through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Help  us to flee from sin and embrace the freedom that comes from knowing the truth. Amen.  
 
Thought for the Day 
 
True freedom is not just the absence of physical chains but the liberation of the soul from the bondage of  sin.  

 
Rev Sajesh Mathews, BD, Mth (Counselling)  
Director  
Mar Thoma Hospital Guidance and Counselling Centre,  
Pazhaya Road, Medical College P.O  
Thiruvananthapuram  
9400646970  

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