Reflect

Imagine a convicted criminal, imprisoned for 20 years, who learns that they have been declared innocent and can go free. After years in a cramped cell, viewing life through prison bars and having every moment dictated by someone else, imagine how amazing it would feel to step through the prison doors and walk into freedom. Now imagine this same person, turning around and deciding that they would rather stay in prison than experience freedom. Seems ludicrous, right? Why would someone choose to stay in prison rather than be free? 

Yet this is exactly what some of the Galatians are doing. Set free from the bondage of the law, they were choosing slavery again by insisting believers follow certain rules and regulations. Paul reminds his readers that we are called to freedom. But freedom doesn’t mean doing whatever we feel like doing. We are free because of God’s extravagant love for us; in response, we ought to show love to others.

Respond

At what times in your life have you experienced the most freedom? What did freedom look like then? What does freedom in your life look like now?

How can you use your freedom to love others? What is one thing you can do today?

Go Deeper

Learn more about Galatians 5:1-15 from our sermons series.