Week 5: Shared Freedom
By: Analise Barros
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2 CSB
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Find your people”? It often comes up during life’s tough moments, when everything feels too heavy to carry on your own. While the world encourages us to be self-reliant, the truth is, we’re not meant to do it all alone. Let's be honest God has such good intentions for us and He knows who we need to surround ourselves with to grow exponentially. In Galatians 6, Paul encourages us to help those around us and care for each other's burdens, and fight for each other's freedom through Jesus. Soon you will realize the weight you are carrying was never meant to be carried alone. Your circle of people will help you and you will forever have God fighting for you to thrive and live the life that He has so carefully planned for you!
Finding people who are willing to stand by you and support you through your walk with Jesus sometimes isn’t the easiest or quickest, but it may just change your life. My parents have always supported me. They showed me how good Jesus is and how much He loves me. When I got baptized in 2022, they made sure I understood why I was making this decision for myself and my purpose in my walk with God.
I had a circle of friends for quite a while, and they were good people. We grew up together in some respects and we learned how to navigate middle school for a year or two. When freshman camp rolled around those people were no longer my friends. However, because of them, I met a girl who I didn’t really know but we became friends and we both wanted to grow in our relationship with Jesus. She had such an authentic passion for Jesus that was so contagious. Following camp, I stopped going to the youth group for a while, but I missed it and didn't know how to reconnect. One night I just decided to text my friend and asked her if she was going to youth group and if I could join her. Of course, she said yes. I walked into the small group so nervous I wanted to turn around and walk back out the door… but I didn't. I stayed and felt welcomed, and I don’t regret anything. After that night I began going to youth groups almost every week and then I met another girl who had such wisdom and passion for Jesus. Long story short those two are now my best friends, my people who support me. We have a shared understanding and a love for Jesus that fuels our friendship. My friend wasn’t obligated to say yes to me coming to youth group with her, but that simple action helped me to get closer to God and build my faith. I will forever be grateful for those who fought for me so that I could go out into the world and help others see the love of Jesus.
I tell you all of this because I want you to understand that your walk with Jesus and finding your circle is not always going to be smooth sailing. That's okay! Here’s my challenge for you: find your people and fight for them! Maybe the person you are going to fight for is a family member or maybe it’s an acquaintance from years ago and that is perfectly fine. Text them, pray with them, invite them, just be with them. Fight for each other's freedom the same way Jesus does for us every day. There is no way to avoid challenges of this world, but we can grow a relationship with God and His people to maintain our peace and freedom. We are free from our sins, doubts, and challenges. We are free because Jesus made a sacrifice so we could live an abundant life. When you feel that you're alone and your life is filled with difficulties, remember that Jesus never intended for us to walk through anything alone and we are truly FREE!
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:10 CSB
Reflect
Have you found your people? Who are they? How can you encourage them this week?
If not, what step can you take today to find them?
Whose burden can you help carry this week—through prayer, encouragement, or practical help?
5:01 Freedom Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for walking with me and giving me the kind of freedom only You can give. I want my life to reflect Your love in the way I love others.
Lead me to the people who will walk with me and help me fight for freedom. And make me that person for someone else.
Today, I release anything pulling me away from You or isolating me from others. Silence the lies. Change what needs to change. Make me whole. Make me free.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
