Do you know someone who’s super-strict with their religious rules?

For people like this, it can be like being in a relationship with someone who says you have to do A, B and C in order to make them happy.

I have a friend, an adult, who lives with a parent who keeps her under the thumb by demanding she only wear certain clothes, eat certain foods, and go out at certain times.

I worry about her…

But so many people live under a religious regime that keeps them bound to a set of strict rules.

They don’t realise it’s not about what you do, but what Jesus has already done. He’s forgiven us and set us free.

It’s not that we don’t ask God to help us address areas of our life that need work.

But we do this knowing we are free to fail.

And we are always forgiven.

I’d much rather live like that.

We are saved purely by Jesus – not our own strength or human wisdom.

We already have God’s approval, so we don’t need to strive to earn it.

His love and approval frees up to live lives that are honouring to him.

To be a beautiful fragrance in the world.

May you continue to display the freedom and joy of being a Christian today and always.