Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Bible in a Year: Job 25-26 | Matthew 15

Freedom is something we all crave.

We want to feel unburdened. We want to be free from pressure, free from our past, free from the weight of trying to be enough. Through Christ, we are given that freedom. It’s not something we earn or prove ourselves worthy of; it’s something we’re invited into. 

But freedom, in God’s design, was never meant to stop us. 

Galatians 5:13-14
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This kind of love isn’t something we manufacture on our own. It flows from the love God has shown us. 

When we understand that we’ve been forgiven, pursued, and chosen - not because of what we’ve done, but because of who God is - it begins to change us. His love softens our hearts. His grace reshapes our responses. His spirit works within us, producing a love that goes beyond convenience. 

This changes the way we view freedom. It’s not just what we are free from, but what we’re free for. We are free from striving so we can rest in him. Free from shame so we can walk in confidence. Free from sin so we can live in righteousness. In that freedom, we are now able to reflect his heart to the people around us. 

This looks like choosing patience when you’re frustrated. It looks like offering encouragement or giving your time, attention, and care even when it’s inconvenient. Not because you have to, but because the love of God is actively working through you.

That’s the beauty of true freedom: it loosens our grip on ourselves so we can reach outward.

Loving others this way requires surrender. It means choosing every day to lay down our preferences, our pride, and our comfort. But we don’t do this alone; God meets us in it. He strengthens us, guides us, and reminds us that every act of love reflects him. 

When you begin to live this way, your life becomes a reflection of Christ. Your freedom becomes a testimony of his goodness. That kind of freedom doesn’t just change you; it changes the lives of everyone around you too. 

Questions: 
How has God’s love personally changed the way you see yourself? 

In what areas are you still holding onto a self-focused view of freedom? 

Where might God be inviting you to love someone more intentionally this week?

Next Steps: 
Begin each morning with a simple prayer: “God, show me who to love today and give me the strength to do it.” 

When you feel resistant or selfish, pause and ask God to realign your heart with his.

Reflect at the end of the week on where you saw God use your obedience to impact others

Prayer: 
Heavenly father, thank you for the gift of freedom. Help me not keep it to myself, but to use it to love and serve others well. Shape my heart to reflect yours, and lead me to live with intention and compassion each day. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

This post was written by Heaven Nash, a Findlay attendee and a new contributor to the Daily LivingItOut devotional.