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In today's
world, we often think of freedom as the ability to do whatever we please.
However, Paul presents a different view in Galatians 5, teaching us that true
freedom is something completely different. Christian freedom is not about
self-indulgence but about selfless service. Christ has liberated us from sin,
not so we can serve ourselves, but so we can love and serve others, reflecting
His heart to the world.
The
Galatians were grappling with two extremes: legalism (which enslaves) and
license (which indulges). Paul reminds us that true freedom in Christ is
neither. It’s a call to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the
flesh. The liberty we have is a gift, but it comes with responsibility. Instead
of exploiting our freedom or using it for selfish purposes, we’re to channel it
into serving others in love. This reflects Jesus’ example—though He was free as
the Son of God, He chose to serve, even unto death
The key to
living in this way lies in our relationship with Christ. Without Him, people
are enslaved to sin. Romans 6 tells us that those outside of Christ are bound
by sin. This enslavement means their actions, even those that seem loving, are
often driven by selfish motives, personal gain, or societal expectations.
Without Christ, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, this type of
selfless love is missing.
However,
when we come to Christ, we experience a new liberating power that changes our
hearts. God grants us a new heart and a new spirit. The transformative power of
the Holy Spirit enables us to "serve one another through love." Sin
no longer controls us; instead, love guides our actions—a love shown through
genuine acts of service to others.
Let’s admit
it: selfless service is hard. Our flesh fights against it, pulling us toward
comfort, recognition, or self-preservation. But this is precisely why we rely
on the Holy Spirit. It’s His strength, not ours, that empowers us to live
beyond ourselves. Start by asking the Lord to help you see interruptions as
divine opportunities. Then lean into His grace to choose others over yourself,
even when it’s inconvenient or unnoticed. Start small. Look around and ask,
“Who can I serve today?” It might mean forgiving someone, extending kindness,
or offering time to those in need. Serving others is not about grand gestures;
it’s about cultivating a heart that mirrors Jesus—humble, sacrificial, and full
of love.
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