What it Looks Like to Live Redeemed

To live redeemed means to allow Holy Spirit to permeate every facet of your life- through your actions, words, and thoughts. The Hebrew word for redemption translates as a substitution required to deliver a person or animal from bondage. Jesus’ death upon the cross freed us from the death we deserved because of our sins. Living in redemption draws us closer to the Lord and makes us more Christ-like, which should be the ultimate goal. I feel like this is easier said than done, so in order to succeed in walking in redemption, let’s try to do these things together: ACTION: As the saying goes “ Actions speak louder than words”, but what does this really mean? In my family, “I love you” is a commonly used phrase. However, this would mean little to nothing if we didn’t prove it through our efforts. Without giving God your entire being, your words of praise may be empty. You can’t be a lukewarm Christian. Living redeemed means laying it all at His feet- everything holding you back or things you’re voluntarily holding onto. This may include holding onto grudges. Forgiving others is ESSENTIAL to truly walk in redemption. You can’t expect to receive forgiveness for your actions, but withhold it from others. Holy Spirit will help you release the ill feelings you have towards someone. Along with forgiving, we are also called to love others unconditionally. Truly loving others means to listen to them, to serve them, and especially to pray for them. You never know what others are dealing with so it is so very important to faithfully love people each day!! Lastly, we are meant to reach the lost. The Lord granted us this redemption so that we will lead others to Him. Psalms 107: 1-3 says: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. WORD: Whether you realize it or not, there are people watching how you deal with certain situations placed in front of you. What is your immediate reaction to a tough situation? Do you immediately give it to God and accept that He is in control? Or do you panic, acting solely in the flesh? It is definitely a challenge to keep your eyes on the Lord in times of trouble. A good example of this is everything going on in the world right now. It is incredibly easy to only talk about the negative things during this quarantine. I’ve found that turning off the news has helped A TON!! Instead of discussing the spread of the virus and watching the numbers rise, try talking about everything positive in your life right now. Simply speak life! Speaking out is another way to live redeemed. By this, I don’t mean condemn everyone you come into contact with. Rather, if you see your friend living in sin, speak up!! Instead of sitting by idly to keep from offending them, tell them of the redemption that is also available to them! Ephesians 4:29 says: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. THOUGHT: In my opinion, the hardest thing to control is the thoughts that race through your mind. It is extremely easy to allow unhealthy thoughts to creep in. This could be depression, anxiety, guilt, disappointment, doubt, or anything keeping you from God. I know I have gone through seasons of depression that felt absolutely inescapable. But I have good news- there is light at the end of the tunnel! Don’t dwell in your fear or shame..you have been redeemed! Move forward! You’ll make it through this, seek comfort in the Lord. Give these controlling thoughts to God and live redeemed! Philippians 4:8 says: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. __________________________________________________________________________________

by Riley Kelly