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For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are his own chosen people, eager to do good works. Titus 2:11-14 (EHV)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

During the school year, we get some breaks—like Christmas break, Easter break, and summer break. Breaks are a time to take a rest from the usual schedule and enjoy something different. Learning is important, but so is rest, fun, and spending time with family and friends.

When a break starts, what will you do with that free time? Sometimes, there are plans already. Other times, we have to decide how to use our free time. If we don’t think about it, we might end up doing nothing and feel like we wasted our break.

Jesus gives us a different kind of freedom. It isn’t freedom from school—it’s freedom from a life controlled by sin. Sin is all the ways we make bad choices, act selfishly, or ignore God. The freedom Jesus gives us isn’t just a “break” before we have to deal with sin again—it’s freedom to live a new life following him.

Jesus has saved us from sin. We are free! But what will we do with this freedom? God calls us to live for him and do good things.

Here’s a way to understand it: an old soap commercial—Dawn soap. The power of Dawn soap isn’t just for dishes. There was an oil spill in the ocean, and many birds got covered in oil and couldn’t move. People came and washed the birds with—you guessed it—Dawn soap and hot water. The commercial shows the birds flying away and free.

In the same way, Jesus cleaned us from sin and guilt. His cross and blood free us to do the things God made us to do! We can:

All of this is possible because Jesus made us clean and pure.

Dear Jesus, thank you for cleaning us from sin and guilt and giving us freedom to live for you. Holy Spirit, help us use our freedom to do good things, love others, and praise you with happy hearts. Thank you for saving us and being with us every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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