Journey: 30 Days to a Close Relationship With Godಮಾದರಿ

In Galatians chapter 5, Paul is appealing to his audience to understand why they have been given freedom in Christ. It's not to sin, and not to bear the burden of a bunch of religious rules either.

The Galatians, to whom Paul is writing, were being told they needed to follow the Jewish law in addition to faith in Jesus to be saved. Paul refutes these teachers' errors in this letter to the Galatians.

Paul is summing up that Jesus did away with all the dos and don'ts that have nothing to do with truly being holy. However, he points out that there is still sin and we should still avoid those actions.

Freedom is amazing! Who doesn't love freedom? But with freedom comes responsibility and the Apostle Paul is simply appealing to his audience to use the freedom for good, not evil. Remember that freedom is no replacement for love. Freedom is only part of the Gospel. Love is another part. This is why Paul says, "use your freedom to serve one another in love (v.13 NIV)."

How are you using your freedom to care for and serve others? What could you do today to help another see God's love shine through you?

Take five minutes to just listen to God. Quiet your heart and ask him to reveal someone to you that you could serve today. Then, pray about that situation.

Prayer: God, my heart's desire is first to meet with you before I do anything else today. My passion and focus are on you today. My focus will be to walk with you every step of the way. Help me to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Lead me and use me for your honor! In Jesus' name, amen!