Galatians 5:13-15

Paul has indicated clearly that the Churches in Galatia should expel the missionaries. Now Paul lifts up to us an answer to the question: Does freedom in Christ Jesus give us anything so that we may live with a Christ like moral and just life?

The missionaries gained a foothold into the Galatia Church communities by telling these believers that they must have the law to follow or they are stranded at sea without moral direction, falling into moral decay. The missionaries must have accused Paul of wanting them to live haphazard lives since Paul has said that Christ frees them from the law. Paul directly addresses this, advising them, “… do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence…” (Gal. 5:13)

The missionaries’ perversion of the Gospel preached self-centered faith with individual focus on self. Christ Jesus has refocused us! Holy Spirit’s alive enthusiasm within our hearts gives us delightful believers freedom to serve others with generous empathetic Love. We Love all others with unashamed moral grounding in Christ.

Therefore, we are Holy Spirit community dependent and strongly obedient to Jesus’ Commandment that His followers will Love one another. And despite those in the Churches who lift themselves above others, care must be taken to intentionally reconcile. After all, we unite in Christ as His servants to one another.

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