Current Location: Sunny San Diego. More specifically at my hotel’s outside oasis, surrounded by palm trees, orange umbrellas, pool lounger chairs. As I await my afternoon flight, I am naturally drawn to people watching. All sorts of folks have flocked to the pool area, splashing in the water, sipping their icy beverages in the alfresco restaurant…but all I can really think about is getting home.

Rainy Oregon over the land of perfect weather? Yes, because this is the week of the 4th of July, which is consequently one of my most favorite holidays. (I know you’re thinking, Fourth of July? Really, even more than Christmas? Aside from Thanksgiving—YES!) Why America’s Independence Day: The red-white-and-blue everywhere, people drenched from head to toe in the festive colors, flags proudly waving in the air, parades, barbecues, time spent with friends and family, country music blaring “Let Freedom Ring” and “God Bless the USA.” Some of the festivities may seem cheesy, but I relish and delight in it all. I love celebrating America’s birthday.

The 4th of July makes me remember America’s freedom song, and I am compelled to think about my true freedom. The freedom found when all else is put aside and one truly knows and loves Jesus. Freedom through Christ is shared throughout all of Scripture. Christ came to set us free from everything that binds us up and keeps us apart from God. We sing a song at church titled “Death Was Arrested.” The lyrics in this song stir my love for my savior and proclaim how Christ brings us true freedom.

“Oh your grace so free

Washes over me

You have made me new

Now life begins with you

It’s your endless love

Pouring down on us

You have made us new

Now life begins with you”

This freedom, true freedom, not only sets us free from death and sin, but should drive us as Christ followers to love our neighbor. Galatians 5:13-14 shares, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” We are called to freedom in Christ, and then, as captives set free, are asked to love others. This doesn’t mean just those easy to love, or those who are similar to us in race, ethnicity, education, etc. It means EVERYONE. Freedom in Christ ups our love game—it gives us the confidence and ability to love the people around us who challenge us, who believe differently from us, who may even dislike us.

On the Fourth, as I’m clad head to toe in red-white-and-blue, I cheer for independence. I’ll be celebrating America’s independence with gumption and gusto, but at a deeper level reflecting upon my true freedom—grace given freely through Christ alone. I will look around at my neighbors with love, and think of ways to bring joy into their day. I will look at my own freed life and reflect on the love and freedom God has lavished on me.

Sarah Dohman is a nurse, kayak enthusiast, coffee addict, microbrew lover, globe trotter, adorer of friends and family. She has a weakness for donuts, runs in 5k races, and cannot get enough tea and books. She loves writing more than talking (and she talks a lot), can be seen at Target frequently, and is loving life in her thirties. She believes God has called her to this space to bring joy and encouragement through words to friends and family, near and far. You can find more from Sarah at her blog or on Twitter.