For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Free, And A Servant
Galatians 5:13 says two things about freedom, one right after the other.
The first is that believers were called to freedom. Across the traditions, food observance does not earn anyone a place in God’s family, though they disagree about whether Leviticus 11 still binds Christians and whom it binds.
The second is that freedom is not for indulging ourselves. It is for serving one another in love. Then Paul quotes Leviticus 19:18, from the same book as the food laws. The whole law, he says, is fulfilled in loving your neighbor as yourself.
The freedom and the service belong together. A believer who knows what his freedom cost Christ will not use it to wound anyone. A believer who serves without knowing he is free can slowly turn service into a way of earning God's favor.
Where do you need to receive your freedom, and where do you need to spend it?
Reflect
Which of the five days did you most want to argue with, and why?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you called me to freedom, and you paid for it with your body. Let me receive it without fear, and spend it on love. Keep me from using it against anyone you died for.
This week
I will receive my freedom in Christ with reverence and spend it on love for the people around me.
