Galatians 5

In chapter 5 we can see Paul's outrage with the Judaisers that are leading the Christians in Galatia astray. He is furious with them and actually wishes them harm in vs. 12!

Paul speaks of the freedom we are called to, and I wonder friends if I have ever been truly free. This may make you nervous, and I apologize in advance for the offense, but have you ever been really free? Paul writes, "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." If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another." Galatians 5:13-15 NRSV. So the key here for Paul is freedom guided by Love.

Next Paul describes the lives led by either the flesh or the Spirit. Read them again carefully, which fruit are you surrounded by in your life? "Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things." Galatians 5:19-23 NRSV.

Let's decide to live in freedom in the Spirit. What a beautiful life this could be friends. Live free in love.