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.
O Great God of Deliverance, thank you for rescuing Israel from Pharaoh's grasp, David from the sword of Goliath, and Daniel from the lion's den. But O Great Deliverer, thank you most of all for the triumph of Jesus over sin at Calvary and 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 in me.* Until that day, guide me as I use this gift of freedom to serve your children and live for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
*
2 Corinthians 3:17-18.
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