Unbinding Our Hearts
by: Amanda Gorecki
September 10, 2025
““The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Have you ever found yourself holding on to guilt, shame, or old habits, even after being set free in Christ? The story of Lazarus being unbound after Jesus raised him from the dead is a powerful reminder of how Jesus calls us to step fully into freedom and new life. Through Christ’s love and compassion, we can shed the remnants of our old life and walk boldly into the blessings and spiritual abundance He has prepared for us.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, He didn’t just perform the miraculous act of restoring life; He also instructed the crowd to unbind him and release him. This speaks to us even today. Once Jesus heals and delivers us, He doesn’t intend for us to remain tethered to the things that once bound us.
Whether it’s shame, fear, discouragement, anxiety, or the lingering remnants of sin, we are called to shed anything that restricts us from living the fullness of life that Jesus brings.
The linen strips that bound Lazarus are metaphorical for the things that often restrict us spiritually and emotionally:
Shame: Past mistakes and regrets that make us feel unworthy of forgiveness.
Fear and Anxiety: Worries that rob us of peace and hold us captive.
Sinful Habits: Old patterns of behavior that hinder spiritual growth.
Jesus doesn’t just resurrect us into new life; He unbinds us from these restrictions so we can fully experience freedom.
The unbinding process holds another beautiful lesson. Jesus commands the people around Lazarus to help him remove his grave clothes. This tells us that overcoming what binds us is not always an isolated process. God often equips us with a community of believers to uplift, encourage, and support us as we step into our new lives.
Recently, I realized guilt and shame had a powerful grip on me, and it was time to let go of what was binding me. It stemmed from feeling like I had not been the mother my son deserved during his early years. While he told me he had forgiven me and even shared how Christ had healed him, I couldn't shake the burden of guilt. Caring for Roman, my son’s dog, became a way for me to express my love and try to make amends for the past.
When Roman tragically passed, I was devastated. I thought I had lost my opportunity to show my love, but my son’s words cut straight to my soul. “Mom, it’s not your fault. I felt your love for Roman every day.” It was a wake-up call from the Lord, reminding me that I was carrying chains Jesus had already broken. Through tears and prayer, I realized it was time to let go of the shame, to stop replaying in my mind what I didn’t do and blaming myself—this was keeping me bound. Jesus had forgiven me, just as my son had. I didn’t need guilt to tie me to my past mistakes. My family was healed; it was time for me to forgive myself and fully step into Christ’s grace, healing, and love. I held onto the promise of Romans 8:28, the verse that Ocean named his dog Roman after: " And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
Reflection Questions
What areas of your life feel like they are still “bound”?
Are you holding onto old habits, fears, or shame that Jesus has already forgiven and healed?
How can your community of faith help you unbind what holds you back?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of resurrection and freedom through Your Son, Jesus Christ. You have called us out of darkness and unbound the chains of shame, fear, sin, anxiety, depression, anger, and contempt that once held us captive. Lord, we step fully into the new life You have given us. Thank You, Father, for surrounding us with community when we need encouragement and accountability. Teach us to let go of the remnants of our old ways and clothe ourselves in Your grace, love, and purpose. May we walk in the complete freedom, peace, and joy that only You can provide. In Jesus name, Amen.
Further Study
Reflect on these passages as you meditate on freedom, healing, forgiveness, and redemption in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:17 - “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
John 8:36 - “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Isaiah 61:1 - “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor... to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
Romans 8:2 - “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Galatians 5:1 - “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
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