Called to Freedom

Galatians 5:13-15 The Message (MSG) 13-15 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?   Galatians 5:13-25 English Standard Version (ESV) 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. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

I love the message interpretation but I think it’s important for us to see it in a more traditional translation as well so I included both for us.  We are called to freedom but don’t let it go to your head.  That’s how I hear it anyway.  Don’t get carried away by this freedom and start thinking your freedom trumps someone else’s.  Don’t hurt others so that you can have your perceived freedom. Instead remember that first we are called to love one another, to serve one another.  Loving Lord, Help us to remember that with the call to freedom, comes responsibility.  The responsibility to love one another as you love us.  Amen.

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