Free to Love; Galatians 4-6

May the mumbling commence!

We can have petty arguments, but they mean nothing in comparison to the light of love.  Love is the greatest expression of faith in the Lord.  Read from Galatians chapter five:

Mark my words!  I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.  Again I declare to every man who lets himself we circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole law.  You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.  But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.  The only thing that counts it faith expressing itself through love.

You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?  That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.  “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”  I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. (Verses 2-10a)

We can find ourselves in heated arguments quite easily – especially when we have conflicts over things which we hold dear.  Go to any denominational event – district or nationwide – and you will see it.  We can get caught up in whether to react in judgment or in mercy.  Issues crop up like human sexuality or abortion or divorce.  We may even argue over the “correct” timing or method of baptizing. 

None of these things are greater than love.  And remember:  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.  Love is the basis of the Law.  Read from later in Galatians chapter five:

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; 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 keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. (Verses 13-15)

Thank God for our freedom in Christ!  Let us use our freedom responsibly.  Let us use that freedom to show our love for the Lord God and for all Creation.  If we allow anything else other than love define our attitudes, thoughts, or actions, then we will eventually find ourselves devouring each other.  In doing this work of division, we bring disgrace upon our heavenly Father.

We are free!  We are free to love.  Let us love in the mind and Spirit of Christ Jesus.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out