“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”John 8:36 (NIV)
The world defines freedom as a life without any restraint. It’s an attitude that says, "I can do anything I want to do and say anything I want to say, without anybody telling me what to do."
With that kind of mindset, others get burned while you insist on doing things your way. That’s the world’s version of freedom—freedom that’s really just selfishness.
But the Bible says the only way to true freedom is through Jesus: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).
God sent Jesus to proclaim and deliver freedom from the sin that keeps you trapped in a cycle of anger, envy, greed, sexual immorality, broken relationships, unforgiveness, and selfishness.
With true freedom, you’re set free from fear, guilt, worry, bitterness, and death. You’re free to quit pretending, because you’re free to be yourself.
How do you get rid of fear and find real freedom in Jesus? By letting God love you! The apostle John taught this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV).
When you realize how much God loves you, you’ll begin to live and rest in that love. And when you live in God’s love, you’re free—free to see life from his point of view and live the way he meant you to live. You learn that freedom isn’t something you demand or earn; it’s a gift from God.
In fact, living in God’s love is an act of worship. When you agree that God is loving, caring, and generous, and begin to trust in that love, you worship him. As 1 John 4:16 says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love” (NLT).
Freedom starts here—when you choose to trust that God loves you and let it fill every part of your life.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California with campuses in major cities around the world. He is the author of The Purpose Driven Life, which has been translated into 90 languages and sold more than 50 million copies in all formats. You can listen to his daily radio broadcast at PastorRick.com.
