Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
1 Peter 2:16 NIV
Free People
Most resettled refugees arrive in Canada with a significant debt burden, since they are expected to repay the Canadian government for their transportation to Canada as well as the cost of their medical examination before coming to Canada. This means refugee families, free from the challenge of life in the country they have escaped, often begin life in Canada with a debt of thousands of dollars. Interest is charged on this loan at a rate set by the Department of Finance each year.
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I am old enough to remember when the Berlin Wall fell, and the people of East Berlin poured across no man’s land to re-unite with family and friends in the West. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed so much uninhibited joy in my life. Thousands of people, imprisoned behind that wall for almost 30 years, charged into freedom. None would choose to go back to the bad old days. They were free – never again would they allow themselves to be enslaved. The follower of Jesus has been set free from the prison of sin and guilt. Our sin has been washed away and our guilt has been lifted. But until Jesus returns, temptation lurks. So the apostle reminds his readers, including us, this, in 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” When Jesus died, the gates of hell were slung open, and all who trust Jesus as Saviour flee from the slavery of sin and guilt. Don’t allow sin to pull you back into slavery. Jesus will empower you to walk in victory – he whom the Lord sets free is free indeed – including you.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley