John 8:31-36 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son does. Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
We often equate freedom with the right to act arbitrarily and choose our own ways, but Augustine reminds us that true freedom is being freed from the yoke of sin. Jesus said, "If you are set free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). This does not mean indulging in lust, but rather enabling the heart to rest in truth and grace. The path to sanctification is not a solo dance of self-effort, but rather the constant drawing of the Holy Spirit from the old self, allowing our wills to be renewed by love and truth, allowing us to become increasingly free from sin and live in dependence on the Lord.
Lord, thank you for the deliverance you accomplished on the cross, redeeming me from the power of sin. Grant me true freedom—not the freedom of self-willed obedience, but the power to overcome temptation and obey you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will support me in my weakness and guide me in my choices. Teach me to turn humbly and practice righteousness through grace. May I become more like Christ each day, my heart liberated by the truth, and my words and actions reflect your holiness and love. In Jesus' name, amen.