Freedom includes the right to disagree with people’s ideas, statements, choices, and lifestyles. However, it doesn’t give us a right to mistreat people.

When how things are described becomes more important than how things really are, deception sets in. None of us humans is 100% correct in all of our opinions and beliefs. Unless we find and admit our errors, we’re stuck in deception.

To make a mistake, admit it, and move on is freeing and healing. To define yourself by a mistake is devastating. Choose repentance, healing, and freedom. We can run and get free from compulsive desires or we can sit in them until they enslave us. Paul of Tarsus said we should “flee” them for freedom.

Defining reality by your following your feelings is denial. Aligning your feelings with reality is truth and freedom.

Being mad at people because they don’t agree with you is like being mad at the sun because it doesn’t rise on your schedule. It’s bondage to self-focus.

Many times the Bible says, “This is what the Lord says.” (NIV) Perhaps we should take it seriously! The God of love doesn’t approve of all of our behaviors. He calls us to realign some of them with His will.