The Truth Will Set You FreeSample

The Truth Inside

God made us with a purpose, but sin keeps getting in the way. As we sin, our enemy tells us lies about ourselves that keep us trapped in cycles of hurtful choices.

Yesterday we confronted some of the lies that culture tells us about how to live a meaningful life. Today we’ll explore some of the lies we often believe about ourselves and others—and allow God’s truth to set us free from shame.

Have you ever told yourself one of these lies?

• I’m too messed up; God could never love me.
• I’m too young (or too old) to be used by God.
• I don’t have a purpose in life.
• I’ll never give up that old habit.
• I’ll always be miserable.

These are common feelings, but they’re not true. Here’s the truth: Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus constantly forgives messed-up people of diverse backgrounds and invites them to embrace their God-given purpose. Jesus restores relationships, helps people break free from chronic challenges, and affirms the worth of people who feel like outsiders.

What lies are you believing about yourself? Spend time reading the truth of how Jesus interacts with people, and invite God to chase away the darkness of lies with the light of His true Word.

There might be some other lies you’re believing—about others. Have you ever had thoughts like these?

• They’re not worthy of my forgiveness.
• They’ll never change.
• People like that aren’t worth caring about.

It’s easy to believe the worst of others, especially if they’ve hurt us or have significantly different beliefs. But here’s the truth: Jesus had a habit of including all kinds of people that His culture rejected. People who were called thieves, traitors, adulterers, and sinners weren’t judged by Jesus. Instead they were shown kindness and given the chance to pursue a better life.

Lies about others can trap us in cycles of judgment, self-isolation, unhealthy anger, and unproductive conflict. So let’s trade in the lies we believe about others for truth from Jesus: that everyone is worthy of love, respect, and kindness.

We can’t imitate Jesus perfectly, but we can grow more like Him daily. As we do, His truth will confront the lies we’ve been telling ourselves. And as we allow Jesus to fill our minds with truth, we’ll experience more of His new life inside us.

Pray: Dear God, Thank You for showing me the truth. Help me confront the lies I’m telling about myself and others. I ask that You help me show grace to myself and kindness to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Think about the lies you may have believed about yourself or others. Then consider how Jesus’ example of compassion, grace, and kindness can undo those lies.