Scripture
Galatians 5:13-15-“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.’”
Observation
Paul reminds the Galatians of their freedom through Jesus Christ in contrast to the law of the Old Testament whereby the law defined their trespasses, and sacrifice was their repentance. Subsequently, their response was to be loving and serving one another as the Lord commanded, second only to loving the Lord with all our hearts and souls. Paul then makes a significant point that loving one’s neighbor fulfills the entire law, and to be cautious of having or finding fault with one another, less all be hurt. Without forgiveness and resolution, no one wins in conflict. Thus, the law was a penal code and procedure. Yet conversely, Jesus brought forth freedom that was founded in love that thereby overshadowed and pre-empted the law.
Application
Rules, regulations, and laws are an integral and prevalent part of our lives whether it be work, school, organizations, and even our families. They define and give us guidance and parameters for us with a goal of organization and order. Yet it is often so easy to get caught up in the rules, regulations, laws, organization, and order of things that then affect and hamper our relationships with others in contrast to God’s call to allow love to prevail and set foundational precedence. It is such a delicate balance for me at times to seek order and organization in the interest of goals and success without being task-oriented and thereby affecting my relationships with others due to my expectations. Subsequently, collateral damage is the result even if it is not public but within my heart, as that is when the dire effects will be upon me rather than others. As Paul speaks of love taking precedence over the law, I desire to approach my relationships and activities with others with love rather than expectations of goals and results. If I put the Lord first, He will take care of all before me. I have been given the freedom to love through Jesus Christ, I seek to let that love flow through my character and actions.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am so blessed and thankful that you gave your son Jesus Christ to be the new covenant so that love would prevail over the edict and endeavor to follow the law. May I thus enjoy your grace and love, and be obedient to your will and freedom through Christ, thereby enjoying the freedom to share your love and not endeavor like those in the Old Testament that toiled at following your will. May you then allow wonderful relationships to be founded on your love rather than my propensity to get caught up in rules, regulations, laws, policies, and procedures.
