The Freedom of the Cross

In summary of Romans 6:6 it says, “We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us.”

Bottom Line:

The person we used to be was crucified with Christ on his cross.  Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin.

What this means to me:

My old sinful life (the person I used to be) died with Christ on his cross so that my sinful self would have no power over me.  In referring to “our sinful selves would have no power over us” it means that our natural inclination is to do the wrong thing.  I often default to wanting to hurt someone back when I have been hurt by them.  I default to saying something bad against them or holding a grudge and never forgiving them when they say something bad against me.  But I can break that bondage to my that bondage to guilt, resent, or worry. I can keep from becoming a slave to the past and to past hurtful memories. I can choose to forgive.  The cross has the power to free me from all grudges, grief and resentment lingering in my life. There is no other way to let go of these emotions that are weighing me down than what Jesus did for me on the cross. Only God can completely understand how much I’ve been hurt in the past. But anything from my past can be overcome by turning toward Jesus’ grace and power of the cross to release these hurts and allow me to forgive those who’ve hurt me.  Next I need to experience God’s forgiveness. God you know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time an old memory comes back, I’ll forgive them again until the pain is gone. I ask you to heal my heart with your grace.  In summary, I can now be different as the person I used to be was crucified with Christ on his cross. Because of this, I’m no longer a slave to sin.