In Luke 7, a story is told about a sinful woman who came and wet Jesus' feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. It's an incredibly moving scene. Jesus uses this moment to teach (and rebuke) those at the dinner with him.

We read this story on Sunday in our church-wide Bible reading plan and Dave added this comment to the end of the day's readings:

Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:50)

There is the call to be encouraged but also the command to "go in peace." Jesus never said you are no longer going to sin and your sins are forgiven. He commanded us to go "in peace" because our sins have been forgiven.

I take away the thought that I must allow peace to have dominion over my heart when I sin... I will make mistakes and God will forgive... so have PEACE, not condemnation. By faith in Christ, I am commanded to have PEACE knowing I am loved and forgiven.

I live in faith and peace that I am forgiven... so live forgiven.

Another commenter chimed in with, "That reminds me of last week's message from Romans 7:14-15!" And, I would chime in with how beautifully that story exemplified Romans 8:1 from this past Sunday: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Friend, if you have been under the burden of sin and have asked for forgiveness, go in peace. Your faith through that repentance has saved you. You are loved and forgiven.

I just wanted to remind you of that today. And if you want to take this a step further, go ahead and listen to the song "Alabaster Box" by Cece Winans. You can thank me later.

In peace,
Pastor Tracy

Christmas at freedom