Reading
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?
Galatian 5:13-15 (The Message)
Reflection
We hear people in our society talk a lot about freedom. Most of us can agree that freedom is a good thing, but we often disagree on what freedom actually is—and what to do with it once we have it. What if we looked at freedom not just as a license to do what we want, but as an opportunity to do what God wants? That takes us beyond permission and into purpose. And that purpose can shape and guide us in all our relationships.
It’s easy to get stuck thinking of freedom as the chance to enjoy doing whatever we please. And let’s face it, we sometimes really value that. For instance, many of us picture our retirement years as a time to finally do only what we want—not what we’re obligated or paid to do. Yet here’s something interesting: many retirees report a higher quality of life when they continue doing things that flow from a sense of calling and that benefit others. They come to see freedom as an invitation to serve in new and meaningful ways. Whatever season of life we’re in, God calls us to love and serve.
Jesus invites us into a free life, but that doesn’t mean we’re called to only think about ourselves. True freedom isn’t a license to chase personal gain. In fact, spiritual freedom—being released from what binds us—leads us into humble service. Celebrating our freedom in Christ means reevaluating not just what we do, but why we do it, so we can love our neighbors as ourselves.
Have you noticed how freedom and healing are often linked? Think about how Jesus interacted with some of the people he healed. He brought them freedom—freedom that was often as spiritual as it was physical. When Jesus healed the paralyzed man, for example, he also told him his sins were forgiven (Luke 5:20). The man’s healing was whole: body and soul. Our experience of freedom transforms everything, and it often leads us to a renewed sense of calling.
The Apostle Paul understood freedom deeply. For Paul, freedom meant a life shaped by love—love for God and for one another. As we practice that kind of love, we become more like Christ. Interestingly, Paul didn’t seem overly focused on his own rights, even when imprisoned. Instead, he poured his energy into helping communities live in peace and grow in love. That’s how Paul celebrated freedom.
Paul wasn’t perfect at loving others—none of us are—but his words still resonate powerfully today. In our current climate, people often complain, condemn, and tear one another down. But that’s not real freedom. It brings harm to others and to ourselves. When I witness that kind of behavior, I sometimes feel discouraged. But then I see someone do something kind, generous, or compassionate, and I think, “Yes! That’s what freedom in Christ really looks like.”
Through the saving grace of God, I am free. And one thing Christ has freed me from is the bondage of thinking only about myself. Paul often spoke of being freed from sin through God’s grace—and simultaneously called to be a servant of Christ. To live freely is to live with full devotion to Christ, and I trust the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me on that journey.
In his sermon on Sunday, Pastor Brandon invited us to ask the Holy Spirit for help in restoring unity to broken relationships. Imagining the work of reconciliation can be intimidating—but Jesus often calls us to places that require courage.
Prayer:
Loving God, I long to live freely. Please send me the wise counsel of the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me become someone who lives by the Spirit, walking in the ways of peace, love, and grace. Mold me into the likeness of Christ, who heals and sets free. Amen.
