September 23
Walk in the freedom of forgiveness. When I unburden you, you are undeniably free! Stand up straight and tall in My Presence so that no one can place more burdens on your back. The burden that I carried after the abusive relationship that I was in was unlike anything I have ever felt before. Coming to God after an experience like that was a process in itself. I had to learn a lot of things over again, but that weight I felt that was lifted from my shoulders after giving it all to God was really great. I increasingly, over time, felt safe and free from that burden. 1 John 4:7-21 describes how we should love one another because God first loved us. If we love God then we should love our fellow men & women. So it just kind of shocks me that I was in a relationship with someone who claimed to love me yet treated me so horribly. My ex was so controlling & manipulative and treated me with conditional love (it was seriously like do this and you’ll get that; if you don’t do this then I will do that). God showed us unconditional love so much so that he died for us. 1 John 4:18 NLT- “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” YIKES. That verse brought up some memories for me. There were times where my ex would force me to do things I didn’t want to do. I remember lying to him or withholding the truth from him because I was legit fearful of the punishment I know he would dish out to me later. So to be able to experience God’s unconditional love is so refreshing. (side note: I’m also in a new relationship with a guy who seriously embodies 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it’s seriously the best.<3 He’s seriously the complete opposite of my ex.) Anyways, it is this unconditional love that frees you from both fears and sins. Spend time basking in the Light of My Presence. As you come to know Me more and more intimately, you grow increasingly free. I am looking forward to spending more time daily with Christ to truly experience what it feels to free from my fears and from my sins. Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me of my sins and for loving me unconditionally.
