“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
When we think of freedom, we often picture grand celebrations—fireworks bursting in the sky, national anthems, and symbolic acts of independence. But for many women of faith, the most powerful kind of freedom isn’t political or social. It’s spiritual. It’s the quiet, personal revolution that takes place in the heart when we surrender our burdens, our bondage, and our brokenness to the One who came to set us free.
True freedom begins within.
The Illusion of Freedom
In today’s world, we’re constantly told to chase “freedom.” Freedom to speak, to work, to love, to live on our own terms. Yet many of us find ourselves still bound—bound by fear, guilt, people-pleasing, toxic relationships, unforgiveness, or perfectionism. We carry wounds so deeply hidden that even those closest to us never see them.
Like invisible shackles, these internal struggles weigh us down and keep us from walking fully in the liberty Jesus died to give us.
Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean a life without responsibility or hardship. It means a life no longer governed by shame, sin, or the opinions of others. It’s the ability to live boldly, with peace and purpose, knowing who you are and whose you are.
Chains Come in Many Forms
Spiritual bondage can take on many shapes, but its root is always the same: a separation from God’s truth.
Fear is one of the most common chains. It creeps into our thoughts and keeps us from stepping into our calling. “What if I fail?” “What if I’m not enough?” These questions often paralyze us, even though 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Shame is another silent oppressor. It whispers, “You’re too damaged. God can’t use someone like you.” But God specializes in using broken vessels. Just ask the woman at the well in John 4, whose shame kept her isolated—until a divine encounter with Jesus gave her a new identity and purpose.
Addiction—whether to substances, approval, food, or even work—can become a stronghold when we rely on anything other than God to soothe our pain. The lie says, “This is the only thing that brings me peace.” But the truth is, only Jesus offers peace that passes understanding.
Legalism may be the most deceptive chain of all. On the surface, it looks like righteousness—following all the rules, appearing holy. But when we reduce our faith to a checklist, we miss the heart of the gospel. Jesus came not to burden us with more rules but to fulfill the law with love, grace, and freedom.
A Testimony of Transformation
I once spoke with a woman named Michelle, who shared her journey of liberation. For years, she struggled with anxiety and a deep-rooted fear of abandonment. She had grown up in a household where love was conditional and punishment was swift. As an adult, this shaped her view of God: she saw Him as harsh, distant, and impossible to please.
Her faith became a checklist of works. Church every Sunday? Check. Tithes? Check. Volunteering? Check. But still, peace eluded her. She never felt worthy. Never felt free.
Everything changed when she joined a small group Bible study focused on the grace of God. As she studied Galatians, the words in 5:1 struck a chord: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Through prayer, community, and counseling, Michelle began to see God not as a taskmaster, but as a loving Father. She confronted her fear of rejection and allowed herself to receive—not earn—God’s love. Today, she walks in a confidence and peace that once felt impossible. She’s no longer striving to do enough but resting in the truth that Jesus already did enough.
Standing Firm in Freedom
Paul’s charge in Galatians 5:1 is twofold: first, to recognize that Christ has already set us free—and second, to stand firm in that freedom. This implies that bondage can try to creep back in. Old habits, toxic mindsets, and spiritual warfare can all try to drag us back into captivity.
Standing firm means actively rejecting lies that say we’re unworthy, unloved, or defeated. It means choosing every day to believe God’s Word over our emotions or past experiences. It means surrounding ourselves with truth-tellers and faith-builders who encourage our walk and challenge our growth.
Keys to Spiritual Freedom
If you’re longing to break free from bondage—whatever form it takes—consider these biblical steps:
1. Acknowledge the Bondage
Freedom starts with honesty. Name the thing that has held you captive. Bring it into the light. God can heal what you’re willing to reveal.
2. Renew Your Mind with God’s Word
Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Meditate on scriptures that speak to your identity, your value, and God’s promises.
3. Receive Grace, Not Guilt
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Stop punishing yourself for what Jesus already paid for. Accept His grace—it’s already yours.
4. Release Control
Often, the chains we carry are self-imposed. Let go of the need to have all the answers or fix everything yourself. Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to do what we cannot.
5. Walk It Out Daily
Freedom isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifestyle. Cultivate habits—prayer, worship, community—that reinforce your liberty in Christ.
The Call to Courageous Freedom
Spiritual freedom isn’t just for our benefit—it’s for our calling. When we are free, we can love without fear, give without resentment, and lead without insecurity. Our testimonies of deliverance become roadmaps for other women who feel stuck or silenced.
You don’t have to wait until you have it all together. Freedom begins the moment you say, “Lord, I surrender.” It starts when you exchange your chains for His grace.
So as we celebrate Independence Day this July, let us also celebrate a greater independence—the freedom we have in Christ. A freedom that no law, label, or lie can ever take away.
Stand firm, sis. You’ve been set free.
Dr. Dwan Abrams is a respected behavioral analyst featured on several TVOne crime series, an accomplished author, and the founder of Unleash Your Inner Worth, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering women. With a background in psychology and a passion for inspiring others, Dr. Abrams combines expertise and compassion to uplift individuals on their journey toward personal and spiritual growth.
