Freedom Isn't Free

We recently celebrated Veteran's Day--a day we honor those who have served to help keep us free, and often are called upon to help others who do not have freedom. We have many holidays that are similar in nature: Independence Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day, etc. We often display flags or other patriotic symbols that demonstrate our gratitude to live in a free nation.

Those that understand freedom, also understand that freedom is not free, but comes with a price. Often the price paid is the blood of those willing to fight for us to enable us to enjoy the comforts we have. Without those willing to sacrifice their lives or the lives of loved ones, we may be living in a very different world--a world in which many are still living because they are not afforded similar freedoms.

My children enjoying religious freedoms as
we visit the St. George, UT LDS Temple Christus

There is One who paid the ultimate price for our freedom: Jesus Christ. Sometimes we hear the phrase "free agency," which is not an accurate description. Just like our national freedoms, agency is not free, but has been paid in full with the blood of our Savior. Suffering in Gethsemane and dying on the cross were the ultimate sacrifice that paid for all of our sins, for all of our agency and for all of us that the debt might be paid in full--so we can be freed from our sins, our pains and sufferings, and freed from death.

Different from those who fight in wars for our freedoms, Christ's atonement is for ALL people who have ever lived on the earth and will ever live here. There is nothing that cannot be paid for through His atoning sacrifice. There is nothing that cannot be healed through Him.

"The Savior's suffering in Gethsemane and His agony on the cross redeem us from sin by satisfying the demands that justice has upon us. He extends mercy and pardons those who repent. The Atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure." D. Todd Christofferson, Redemption, April 2013 General Conference

“Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone.” -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Regardless of your beliefs, the love of God has no bounds. The Atonement is for all. It is not just for our sins, but for all healing that we need. We need healing from sins, but also from abuse, abandonment, betrayal, sickness and all other afflictions. His suffered for all of it--felt all pains we have ever and will ever feel. He is the only one who can truly know how we feel. It is through Him that we are truly free--free from our burdens and sufferings.

Freedom means a lot to me. As you consider the freedoms you have been given, don't forget the sacrifice made by many. Most importantly, don't forget the sacrifice made by One for many--even for ALL. It comes without conditions and without expiration and, most importantly, without any limits.

© Wendy 2013