GALATIANS 5:13

You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

TO PONDER

When I began nursing, eons ago, we had to abide by very strict rules. There was always someone to ensure they were adhered to. From our workplace to the dining hall, attending lectures [on our days off!!], even the nurse’s home didn’t escape. There were curfews and spot checks on our rooms. Free time, if we weren’t too tired, was cherished and spent walking beside the river and the nearby gardens, or if funds allowed, walking to the shops to enjoy one of the great drinks migrants had introduced -cappuccino! So entrenched were these rules that we were quite sure that there was someone watching us and who would report back that we were always on our best behaviour and correct anyone who wasn’t – so precious were those few moment of freedom.

In today’s text, Paul is speaking to the Galatians who were struggling under the complex Jewish laws. He told them that Jesus had freed them from those laws; only one remained -to love your neighbor.  He warns them to cherish this freedom and not give in to their sinful nature, rather, use this freedom to serve God and one another in love. The Holy Spirit and faith would help them to do this; and, at the end of this chapter we can read what the fruits of the Spirit are that to help us in a life of service.

At great cost, Jesus has won us freedom from sin, death, and the devil, so that we can, with renewed faith and strength, serve God and our community with loving care.   The evil one is not pleased with this situation and will try his hardest to entice us to abuse our freedom and slip back into bad habits.  Part of our loving needs to be watching out for and encouraging each other to live and cherish the freedom Jesus has won for us.

Prayer: God of love and forgiveness, you sent Jesus to teach us how to live and serve you and others with love and to have freedom from old laws. Through his death you have given us freedom from sin and death, and granted us eternal life. Give me the strength to encourage others, so that together, we are not tempted to abuse that freedom and slip back into bad habits and unloving ways. Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle