Sin creates conflict with God. We learned this in Genesis 3:1-6 when Satan in the form of a serpent convinced Eve that she would not really die like God said she would if she ate of the fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil.

But sin also creates conflict with others. Adam blamed Eve for his decision to take a bite of the fruit. He also blamed God for giving him the woman in the first place. (Genesis 3:12)

Sin creates conflict within ourselves. Adam and Eve hid from God. (Genesis 3:8) They felt guilt and shame. They felt shame for their nakedness, so they made clothing. (Genesis 3:7)

Sin is the big problem. In fact it is an insurmountable problem. Wait! What was that? Yes, human beings on our own, cannot beat sin. We can’t overcome it. It will knock us down, beat us up, crush our spirits, and flatten us like a steamroller.

Where then, is hope? Ah, hope comes in the form of a cross stained red with Jesus’ blood and in the emptiness of the tomb. God knew—from before Day 1—that His creation, mankind, would need to be rescued, redeemed, purchased from our debt to sin.

That’s the whole reason He sent Jesus.

Do you know Jesus? Has your sin been washed away by the blood of the cross? Or do you still drag the chains of sin with you where ever you go? Aren’t you tired? Don’t you want to get rid of the conflict created by sin and step into the peace and joy that knowing Jesus offers? Hold out your hands to Jesus. Find a Bible-believing church or friend and place yourself under Jesus’ love and protection.

Being a subject of the King of Kings may sound like you are trading one set of chains for another, but slavery to Jesus results in true freedom. The chains are broken by the power of His name. He does not shackle us with a different chain. He asks us to freely choose to walk in His ways. Following His is the definition of freedom. When the weight of sin falls away, you will feel lighter than you’ve ever been. Won’t you experience that freedom today?

Lord God, I pray that those who read this will reach out to You, holding out their chains that You might cut them in two and set free their souls. I pray readers will end the conflict between You, other people, and themselves by accepting Jesus as their Savior and walking in freedom, peace and joy. I pray these things in the name of the Most High, Jesus. Amen.