What is freedom? Finding Freedom in Community

What does freedom mean to you?

For me its to live as I was meant to live, to fully live out what God created me to be.

These few days, I’ve been learning the importance of having freedom in community.

I used to see freedom as wanting to go somewhere far far away to hide myself from the face of the earth. To be isolated from problems and troubles and drama and conflict. But I’m discovering that true freedom comes in being able to love and be loved. Being able to overcome despair and disappointments and love again.

A lot of times, when we face pain or disappointment from people, we tend two ways. Either we hide ourselves and close ourselves off from people, becoming silent and exclusive, or we try to control others response to us and become manipulative and controlling. All because we don’t want to be hurt.

Today, I’m learning that freedom starts with being able to love others again and receive love. Not in a controlling way but in a humble way, knowing that no one is perfect, and no community is perfect. It does not mean I tell the whole world what I’m facing, but it does mean I try to find a few close people and walk with them and express my love, forgive and know and realise we are better together.

Ultimately, the source of that love and freedom comes from God above, expressed through the Body of Christ.

May you find freedom in relationship today.