My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
Nobody but you is responsible for how you feel—not even God. Yet all too often, we tie our emotions to other people. We let their actions put a damper on our day or damage our self-worth. We may even manipulate them into giving us the love or respect we want.
But real love doesn’t manipulate or use force. In Isaiah 6:8 (NLT), God asks, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” These words show us His incredible love. He was asking for willing volunteers. He wasn’t dragging anybody by their collar and forcing them to serve Him.
Instead of trying to force someone else to change, begin to take responsibility for your own feelings and reactions. Get rooted in God’s Word and soak in His love for you. As you do, you cut the umbilical cord tying you to other people.
Today’s verse says we live by faith in God’s Son. You can’t live by faith in your spouse, friends or family. You are meant to base your life and sense of self-worth on Jesus, who loves you so much He gave Himself up for you. As you come to accept the love God pours into you, you can then love others at a level this world has never seen!
Recognize that nobody has the power to hold you back or rob your joy unless you let them. You’ll set yourself and others free!