slave or son

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received a Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. ~Romans 8:15-16


Lord Jesus, help me not be a slave to fear, but a son of God.

I live as a slave when I start living in fear of what might happen.  I live as a slave when I live my life afraid that I do not have what it takes, that I don't measure up, that I am not enough--that I am of no value.  Then I become a slave not only to fear, but a slave to circumstance, a slave to comparison, a slave to competition, a slave to affirmation, achievement, and applause.  That is when I must cling to the truth that I am a son; your beloved son.  You delight in me.  Then, and only then, will I be free.  Free to live as you live and free to love as you love.

Lord Jesus, help me to love like you today.  Rid my heart of all that is not love.


All who follow the leading of God's Spirit are God's own sons.  Nor are you meant to relapse into the old slavish attitude of fear--you have been adopted into the very family circle of God and you can say with a full heart, "Father, my Father."  The Spirit himself endorses our inward conviction that we really are the children of God. (Romans 8:14-16, JBP)