The Struggle

Because you belong to [Christ], the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Romans 8:2

PEOPLE THE WORLD over struggle with addictions, bigotry, sinful attitudes, and every kind of dysfunction imaginable. Many cry out for help, for someone to step in and show them the way. When they don’t find it, they turn to mediums, other religions, self-help books by unbelievers, and any other kind of falsehood out there. It’s only when they look to Christ, though, that they will find true help.

Notice what this verse says happens when we belong to Christ: God gives us the Spirit, who in turn frees us from sin. Many Christians will testify to how Christ enabled them to overcome their struggles with sinful attitudes and habits. It doesn’t happen overnight. Many times, we’re in for a battle when we try to change the habits of the old life.

God’s promise is that the “life-giving Spirit” will give us the life we crave—the life of joy and peace, the life of freedom and hope, the life of love and kindness. You can tap into that power at any moment, for the Spirit lives in us and is always ready to begin the work that will truly set us free.