No. 308 - Called to Freedom, Serving in Love

The Freedom of God’s Children

Called to Freedom, Serving in Love

Galatians 5:13

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." 

Starting Prayer 

Dear Lord, please help me understand what it truly means to be free in Christ and how I can use this freedom to serve others in love. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background 

In Galatians 5, Paul speaks to the believers about their freedom in Christ. He emphasises that this freedom is not a license to indulge in sinful desires but an opportunity to serve one another in love. This chapter encourages us to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. 

Be Encouraged 

We live in a world where freedom is often misunderstood as doing whatever we want. However, true freedom in Christ means being set free from the bondage of sin to serve others in love. Imagine a person who has been released from prison. They are free, but their freedom should be used to contribute positively to society, not to return to a life of crime. Similarly, our freedom in Christ is a call to love and serve one another, reflecting God's love in our actions. 

Consider the example of a firefighter. They have the freedom to choose their career, but they use their freedom to save lives and serve the community. In the same way, as Christians, we are called to use our freedom to serve others. By loving and serving one another, we fulfil the law of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of God's love in our lives. 

Application 

Reflect on 1 Peter 2:16, "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God," and John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." 

Invitation 

If you have not yet experienced the freedom that comes from being in Christ, I invite you to visit a nearby Church of Christ. Learn more about how to enter into this freedom through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in faith and learn more about God’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20). Embrace the freedom Christ offers and share this message of liberation with others, inviting them to experience the joy of being God’s children. 

Concluding Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom You have given me through Your Spirit. Help me to use this freedom to serve others in love and to glorify You in all that I do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


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