Paul Tillich describes the human condition as one which involves three fears; fear about meaninglessness, fear about death, and fear about guilt. To me, freedom is to live without fear, to be the person you were created to be. But how can this be possible when death is the unavoidable appointment; when guilt, real or imagined plagues our conscience, and where it often feels that any meaning we assign to life is snatched from us by the intrusion of illness or broken dreams?

When I became a Christian I discovered to my joy that these three fears were "swallowed up" by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his love he died for me – breaking the power and guilt of my sins, he rose again opening up the way to eternity – giving my life an eternal purpose. I stand by the grace of God forgiven, set free from these fears. As someone made in God's image, I am unique – all of my peculiarities, past and present failures are now part of my uniqueness that God in his mercy can use. I don't need to be anyone else but Nick Dill, forgiven sinner, under construction. And where does this freedom lead? Away from the self-absorption that enslaved me. It leads instead to a service of others.

Jesus said – you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. I have come to see a truth about myself, a truth about God "whom to serve is perfect freedom".

– The Rev. Nicholas Dill