Devotion for Saturday, June 4, 2022

 “But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25).

The supposed legalism of James is completely set aside by one word: liberty.  The law of liberty is that which is needed to complete us.  We are free to do as we please.  However, if we are in the Lord, then we will do what is pleasing to Him because of the love that transforms us and reigns in our hearts.  The one who hears and does not abide  by it neither loves, nor lives in liberty, but is still in rebellion.

Lord, the struggle still goes on inside of me.  Help me to understand that You have come and set me free.  Truly free.  Lead me in the liberty which is mine so that I would now and forever be guided by Your love and Your goodness.  Help me to live in Your love, in order that I would do all in the command You have given us to love all our neighbors.  Lead me where I need to go so that I may be blessed in You.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set us free from the law which has condemned the sin in me.  You have perfectly atoned for me so that I would live in the liberty which is mine through You that I may do what is right and good.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of righteousness and help me be one who does what You ask me to do.  Guide me now and always in the way of everlasting life in You.  Amen.