VI. A Life of Freedom and Abundance

Putting God at the Centre

The preceding five aspects all concern how we understand and live out our lives before God. These changes in understanding and ways of living are rooted in the new life Christ gives. Freedom and abundance are founded on God’s redemption in Christ, rather than on our finally having everything in order.

Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly” (John 10:10, excerpt). This promise comes within His teaching about the good shepherd laying down His life for the sheep. The sheep receive life because they have a shepherd who knows, saves, guides, and keeps them. Abundance needs to be understood through our relationship with Christ; it cannot simply be equated with continual improvements in health, wealth, and career success.

1. Freedom Does Not Mean Doing Whatever We Want

Even with many choices available to us, we may still be ruled by desire, greed, comparison, and other people’s opinions. Jesus says that the truth makes people free, then explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin and that only He can give true freedom (John 8:31–36). Freedom here concerns, first of all, release from the power of sin, rather than simply relief from psychological pressure.

This release enables us to obey God again, rather than treating our own desires as our highest standard. Paul also urges believers not to use freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). The freedom Christ gives enables us to learn to love others and do good.

Changes in our habits of comparison, our fears, and our patterns of behaviour often take time. Those who have received God’s grace can learn a new way of life through prayer, Scripture, the support of fellow believers, and practical action. Not yet feeling at ease does not mean that Christ’s grace has not reached us. Our freedom is founded on Him, while growth continues throughout our lives.

This freedom shapes concrete choices. For example, turning down a dishonest gain may still bring financial loss. But when we no longer make money the foundation of our lives, we can remain honest even at a cost. The freedom Christ gives provides us with new reasons and strength to respond to the truth.

2. Abundance Means Restoring Life’s Proper Order, Rather Than Having More

Paul explains that he has learned contentment in both need and plenty, and that he relies on Christ in different circumstances (Philippians 4:11–13). The strength described in this passage enables him, first of all, to remain faithful to the Lord whether hungry or well fed, in plenty or in need. It cannot be treated as a guarantee that any personal wish will be fulfilled.

Our circumstances still affect our bodies, emotions, and daily lives, and financial hardship calls for practical help. Yet an increase or decrease in resources is no basis for judging whether God accepts us. We can work to improve our circumstances while learning contentment within our limitations.

Restoring proper order includes using wealth to fulfil responsibilities, ensuring that our work is honest, examining results, and making appropriate provision for rest. Our plans still matter, but they need to be guided by God’s truth and take account of our responsibilities to others.

Contentment does not mean giving up on improving our lives. After speaking about contentment, Paul still thanks the Philippian believers for their practical support (Philippians 4:14–18). He relies on the Lord and also receives help from others. We, too, can express our needs honestly, seek work diligently, and learn new skills. These efforts can go hand in hand with trusting God.

3. Abundant Life Involves a Change of Centre, Rather Than Self-Fulfilment

Paul says, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, excerpt). These words are closely connected with his being crucified with Christ and now living by faith in the Son of God. This change in the centre of his life is grounded in Christ’s saving love and His giving Himself for Paul.

This does not mean that our personhood disappears or that our individuality is erased. Our thoughts, gifts, and responsibilities remain real, but proving ourselves is no longer their ultimate aim. In Christ, we come to belong to Him and learn to let Him examine our desires.

We therefore work hard in response to God’s grace, rather than to prove that we deserve acceptance. We manage resources and learn to be accountable to God for what we have received. We serve out of love for others, rather than relying on being needed to prove our worth. These changes may not happen all at once, but they gradually reorder our lives around Christ.

This change in the centre of our lives also affects how we respond to our own desires. We can value our interests and abilities and prepare our plans carefully. Yet we are willing to ask whether these pursuits are causing us to neglect honesty, our family’s needs, or our responsibilities. If our original plans need to change, we can still trust the Lord and live faithfully in new circumstances with the life we have received.

4. Abundant Life Still Includes Suffering

Paul asks whether affliction, distress, persecution, hunger, danger, and other hardships can separate those who belong to Christ from His love. He then declares that none of these can separate them from God’s love in Christ (Romans 8:35–39). This hope does not deny pain; it means that suffering no longer has the final say.

Believers may still experience grief, confusion, and exhaustion. We cannot judge whether someone has abundant life simply by how calm or strong they appear. The laments in the Psalms and the Lord’s prayer in Gethsemane show us that real pain can be brought before God (Psalm 13:1–6; Mark 14:32–36).

Abundance does not mean that every harm must be endured in silence. Caring for those who have been hurt, seeking help, stopping injustice, and protecting the vulnerable can all be acts of trust in God. We look forward to His finally removing death and tears, and we also care diligently for those who suffer today.

Walking alongside those who suffer begins with patiently listening as they speak about their pain. We need not rush to explain why God has allowed all this, nor should we demand that they immediately show gratitude. We can offer food, care, visits, and prayer, or simply be quietly present with them. Such love helps people know that, even when they cannot yet understand their circumstances, someone is willing to share their burdens.

5. True Abundance Means Growing in Love for God and Others, and Faithfully Living Out the Life We Have Received

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities help us understand the direction of growth in a life shaped by grace, as we learn love and faithfulness in our relationships.

We can examine ourselves through concrete changes. Are we more willing to let God’s word correct us, listen to counsel, treat others honestly, and acknowledge our limitations? Are we willing to take responsibility and also accept help when needed? Such reflection helps us respond to grace; it must not become a scorecard for earning salvation or comparing ourselves with others.

Growth can be slow, and we may need to begin again after a fall. We need to walk patiently alongside one another, rather than judging someone’s life solely by changes visible over a short period.

We must be especially careful not to assess people whose ability to communicate and act is severely limited solely by how much growth they can demonstrate. They still need love and respect. God’s acceptance in Christ is not conditional on visible demonstrations of growth. The community of believers also needs to fulfil its responsibility to love one another through practical care and companionship.

This fruit may not immediately make life easier, but it helps us respond to the people before us with greater love and self-control. We give thanks for the changes that have already taken place and ask the Holy Spirit to continue renewing the areas in which we are not yet obedient.

Abundance begins with the life Christ gives, becomes gradually evident through the Holy Spirit’s renewal, and will be brought to completion in the future resurrection and new creation. The fruit we see today gives us reason for thanksgiving; what is not yet complete keeps us relying on the Lord.