Our scripture this morning is Galatians 5:13-16.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Paul reminds us that freedom doesn’t mean we can do anything we want, rather it allows us to love and serve one another. Unfortunately, we often see the freedom we have been given used in harmful ways toward our brothers and sisters. Paul warns “if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another”.
It seems sadly easy for us to abuse our freedom. We say false and hurtful things about each other, not remembering Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself”. I’ve heard it said there’s a big “I” in the middle of sin, a reminder that we often fall into evil when we put ourselves first.
He tells us to”live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh”. Because God gave us free will, we are responsible for our choices and behavior. He sent the Holy Spirit to help guide us in His love that we might share it with the world.
Gracious God, You sent Jesus to save us from our sin and show us the way to eternal life. Bless us to go in Your name, sharing the Good News with everyone. Amen.
