Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Thought for the Day: How many first year college students living away from home for the first time find themselves enjoying that freedom a bit too much? If my memory serves me correctly, I probably did a few things I should not have done. The first taste of freedom can be intoxicating (for some, it is a literal experience of intoxication), and they taste the full spectrum of possibilities. Paul recognizes the potential problems associated with saying to people, “In Christ, you have been set free.” The next thing that happens is that people are doing everything that is not of Christ. Paul offers the freedom found in Christ to his readers, but also suggests that this freedom has an equally important responsibility. He sums it up with the well known words, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Thus, the freedom Christ offers is the freedom to live your life as Christ lived, in the fullness of God’s love.
Prayer: You have freed me, Loving Lord, and you continue to work with me so I can better know this gift and live a life worthy of the gift. Please be patient as I live and learn. Amen.
