You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Our freedom as followers of Jesus, the freedom to live by the power of the Spirit and not by law (
Romans 8:1-4;
Galatians 5:1), is a wonderful gift, especially when it is handled with responsibility and grace (
Romans 14:13;
1 Peter 2:16). Not being under law is such a sweet grace, but we want to pass that sweetness on to each other through service, kindness, and care (
Romans 13:10). Just because we are free to do something doesn't mean doing it is beneficial to our brothers and sisters in Christ or to those we are trying to influence toward Jesus. Freedom gives us the opportunity to do things in love, not just because we are commanded to do them. Love should be, could be, and must mean more than law.
O Great God of Deliverance, thank you for rescuing Israel from Pharaoh's grasp, David from the sword of Goliath, and Daniel from the mouths of lions. But O Great Deliverer, thank you most of all for the triumph of Jesus over sin, hell, and the law at Calvary. Thank you for his victory over death at the empty tomb. I long to see you face-to-face and thank you for my freedom, won by Jesus and fulfilled in me through the transformation of the Holy Spirit at work within me (
2 Corinthians 3:17-18). May my love for others and for you mean more than any law could mean toward me being a blessing. Until the day Jesus returns, please Father, guide me as I use this gift of freedom to serve your children and live for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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