Freedom Is a Person, Not Just a Concept
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Do you ever find yourself yearning for freedom? What would it look like in your life to live without stress, fear, or worry? How would it feel to be free from the weight of your past and the pressures of your present being lifted?
Most of us seek freedom in all the wrong places. We pursue relationships, careers, success, habits, self-help strategies, and the opinions of others. We believe that fixing or achieving something will finally set us free; however, this kind of freedom never lasts. It fades as soon as life throws another curveball.
Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This means that freedom isn’t just a feeling, an achievement, or a situation. Freedom is a person, and that person’s name is Jesus.
For years, I believed that freedom meant feeling in control. If I could manage my schedule, relationships, and emotions, I thought I would find peace. But the more I tried to control everything, the more I realized how little control I had. When plans fell apart, I felt frustrated. When people disappointed me, I became bitter. When life didn’t go the way I thought it should, I grew anxious.
It wasn’t until I hit my lowest point—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—that I realized trying to control everything was actually hurting me. I understood I needed to surrender my need for control to the Lord. This is when I began to understand what Jesus meant in John 8:36. True freedom doesn’t come from managing my own circumstances; it comes from trusting Him in the middle of them.
Many of us are fighting for the freedom we already possess through Jesus. Jesus opened the door for each of us long ago, through His death and resurrection. We don’t have to strive for freedom, but we must walk with Jesus into the freedom we already have in Him. Freedom doesn’t come from effort—it comes from entering the grace we have been given.
Jesus wants us to understand that we are not defined by our pasts, held captive by our mistakes, or held to the mercy of our circumstances. We are free in Him—completely, deeply, and eternally free. Freedom isn’t the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of Christ amidst it.
How can we stop focusing on our struggles and shift our mindset to trusting in Jesus? We can accomplish this by making our relationship with Jesus a priority and spending time with Him every day. Spiritual disciplines are essential to our overall well-being. I dedicate time each day to read God’s word (the Bible) and to read a short devotional or blog post. I also set aside time daily to pray, listen, and reflect with God. There are several other disciplines to consider, including fasting, serving others, observing the Sabbath, and spending time in solitude with God.
Building faith and trust means we can face uncertainty with peace and walk through hardship with hope. We can live with joy even when life doesn’t make sense because our freedom isn’t built on what’s changing, but on the One who never changes.
Freedom isn’t something we achieve; it’s something we receive. It isn’t found in doing more, earning more, or becoming more — it’s found in knowing Jesus better.
This week, consider slowing down and being honest with Jesus about where you feel stuck. Ask Him: “Lord, where am I still trying to find freedom without You?” Then, open your Bible to John 8:36 and read it aloud. Let those words sink in: “So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Talk about it with a friend or small group and share your story. When we share how Christ has set us free, it encourages others to be brave and courageous and walk into that same freedom.
You’ll never discover lasting freedom in your changing circumstances, but you will find it in the steadfast and unchanging love of Jesus.
If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.