“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”
— Romans 7:6 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
Man, isn’t it crazy how freeing that sounds? Like, Paul is basically saying, “Hey, you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through rules anymore.” It’s not about earning gold stars on some divine chore chart—it’s about being alive, really alive, in the Spirit.
Think about it: the law is like that ancient GPS system that keeps recalculating while you’re stuck in traffic. It’s pointing out every wrong turn, flashing errors, and stressing you out. But the Spirit? Oh, the Spirit is like having the ultimate travel guide riding shotgun. He’s showing you the scenic routes, telling you the best stops, and whispering, “Relax, I’ve got this.”
When Paul says we’ve “died to what held us captive,” he’s not talking about some morbid, depressing thing. It’s a freedom party! Dying to the law means ditching the performance anxiety of constantly trying to measure up. Instead, we’re called to serve in this vibrant, Spirit-fueled relationship. It’s not about duty; it’s about delight.
And let’s be honest—we all know how exhausting it is trying to check every religious box. It’s like chasing after your shadow—an endless, frustrating game you’ll never win. But life in the Spirit? That’s where the joy is. It’s not about living like you’re auditioning for God’s approval. Spoiler alert: in Christ, you already have it.
So here’s the takeaway: stop striving and start living. The law was like a leash; the Spirit is like wings. Why walk when you can fly?
Personal Prayer
Lord, thank You for freeing me from the weight of trying to earn Your love. I confess how often I get caught up in rules, trying to check boxes or prove myself worthy, forgetting that You’ve already done the work for me through Jesus.
Help me to live in the freedom of Your Spirit, not chained to old ways of striving but open to the new life You’ve given me. Teach me to serve You with joy, not out of fear or obligation, but because I love You and trust You.
Holy Spirit, guide me daily. Show me how to walk in step with You, to listen to Your voice, and to rely on Your power instead of my own strength. When I stumble, remind me of Your grace that picks me up. When I succeed, remind me that it’s all because of You.
Thank You for releasing me from captivity and leading me into the freedom of a relationship with You. May my life reflect the beauty of Your love and the lightness of serving You in Spirit and truth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.