Lenten Devotion: Finding Peace in God’s Truth Amidst Conflict (John 8:31-47)
Day 20 – 27 Mar 2025
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
I once believed love and marriage meant always understanding each other. But after having our daughter, stress, expectations and fatigue led to more disagreements with my husband. Though not constant, they happened enough that I worried about their effect on our two-year-old.
I justified my frustration—wasn’t I just trying to make things better? But John 8:31-32 convicted me: “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Was I truly abiding in God’s truth, or letting pride dictate my reactions?
Like the Jews in John 8:33, I resisted the idea of being in bondage. But Jesus’ response in verse 34 hit me: “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” My pride and impatience, though subtle, kept me from experiencing peace.
A small but powerful shift happened when my daughter and I started praying for my husband each night. Initially, I did it for her, but soon, the prayers softened my heart too. Instead of dwelling on frustrations, I surrendered them to God. John 8:36 reminded me: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Freedom wasn’t about fixing my husband—it was about myself surrendering to Christ.
John 8:42 challenged me: “If God were your Father, you would love me.” My frustrations often revealed a self-centered heart rather than one reflecting God’s love. Verse 47 reminded me why I needed to abide in Him: “Whoever is of God hears the words of God.”
I’m still learning, but true freedom in Christ isn’t just about overcoming big sins—it’s about letting His truth shape my daily love and responses. Instead of being enslaved by pride, I’m learning to walk in grace.
Elizabeth Chng🙏