Freedom to Be a Child of God
(Day 5 of Lent – 23 Feb 26)
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God..” Galatians 4:4-7
Growing up, I always felt that I was never enough according to the standards of the world. It was ingrained in me by closed ones that love was conditional – that I had to behave a certain way to be accepted. I was constantly measuring myself and striving to meet expectations. That inner critic became my guardian, keeping me captive in cycles of comparison, fear, and performance. I was exhausted and lost.
When I started reading God’s Word last year, I wanted to hold myself to a higher standard, to be more like Jesus. But instead of freedom, I found myself trying to justify who I was by how well I obeyed. The harder I tried, the more insufficient I felt.
Yet God’s Word reminds me that the law was never meant to save me; it was meant to lead me to Christ. In Him, something has changed. I am no longer trying to earn my place or striving for approval. It was never that I obey and therefore am accepted. Rather, I am accepted — and therefore I obey. His overflowing, unchanging love has renewed my heart. I am no longer enslaved by the standards of the world or by my own harsh expectations.
Now, with my own children, I hope they will grow up knowing that they are not loved for their performance, but because they are ours.
In the same way, our heavenly Father’s love is not based on academics, achievements, or how the world judges us. Our identity is anchored in Jesus’ love and salvation. Through faith in Christ, we are sons and daughters of God — heirs according to His promise, not because we earned it, but because of His grace.
As I continue walking closely with Jesus, I now know with quiet assurance: I was and I am enough – because I am loved, redeemed and a precious child of God.
Carmen Sun🙏✝️
Journey Cell