Galatians 5:1, 13–25
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Reflection
This passage tells us about freedom. A true freedom. A freedom that comes from the law. This is a freedom that is God's desire for all people. This is a freedom that brings with it servant-hood to God and to one another. We are free to love and serve God and each other.
This freedom God has given us does not free us to indulge in selfishness. This freedom makes serving an honor and a joy. Jesus did not come to be served but he came to serve and give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10). Likewise this freedom we are granted from the law takes the law and stands it on it's head. The very things and characteristics that the law is attempting to correct are the works of the flesh. Through our freedom we put away those works of the flesh and put on the fruit of the Spirit.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... that's the results of this freedom spoken of in this passage. These characteristics are the result of God's freedom from the law. These qualities bind us together in Christ as one. This willingness to be servants display true faith in God.
But don't get confused. Christian service does not save you. Christian service is a result, it is a fruit, it is the evidence of your salvation and the freedom that faith in Jesus brings into your life. A freedom and a servant-hood that is not a burden but rather a joy.
Salvation comes through the cross and what God has done through Jesus. Salvation is not something you can work yourself into. Salvation is God's doing... not your own doing. When we accept this we accept God and the Love God offers to us and to all people... and faith grows... the fruit of the Spirit develops... we serve God and we serve our neighbor out of the freedom from the law... we give our lives to God and to one another. "We love, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Prayer
Lord, I want to be part of a world that lives in the spirit while in the flesh. I want to be part of a world that is full of your fruit. Forgive me when I live in the flesh and display the carnal qualities that disgust you. Lead me and guide me in your freedom to live a life that grows the fruit of the Spirit. May my life be a joyful service to you and to those you give to me because of the freedom you have granted me. Use me this day and harvest the fruit that I bear to your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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