This Month’s Theme:
Freed to Love and Serve
13 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. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
Reflection
How am I responding to what Jesus did for me?
How is my life evidence of the freedom I have received in Christ?
These questions come to mind when I read the words “called to be free” in Galatians 5:13-14.
The passage brings me back to times when I was given opportunities to serve and love but chose not to participate. I think of the times when I’ve been interrupted by others and responded in annoyance, or when I jumped to judge others quickly, or when I’ve refused to forgive.
As God’s word reminds me why I was given freedom in Christ, I am convicted to not just be part of a community but to actively take the opportunities God gives me, to use my freedom to be attentive and care for others, putting their needs before my own, and to forgive even when I’ve been hurt. This way, my freedom can properly reflect the One who has granted me freedom.
– Samantha Suta
Join in the Conversation
It feels counterintuitive to think about freedom as something that’s meant for others and not for ourselves. But part of God’s work of freeing us from sin includes freeing us from self-absorption. Focusing too much on ourselves often results in more unhappiness. The more we indulge in our desires, the less satisfied we feel.
To draw us away from satiating this bottomless pit within us, God has given us the Holy Spirit to show us a new way of freedom—to look around us instead of within, and consider how we can give of ourselves to each other. There is much joy to be had when we stop worrying about what we stand to gain or lose, and instead think of all the ways God has been generous to us, so we can channel our energies toward loving and serving one another.
Reflect
- What does it mean for you to be free in Christ? How do you think you can use this freedom to love and serve others?
- If you don’t feel “freed” to love and serve, what do you think is stopping you? Take time to commit it to the Lord in prayer.
Topics to Explore
- Topics to explore:
- How can we know if we’re using our freedom for good?
- Dear introverts, here’s how we can love and serve without feeling drained from socialising
- How do I get past my fear of rejection so I can be open to others?
- How can I love and serve when I feel unwelcome/overlooked in most places?
- I always feel too tired from work and life to serve – how can I change that? / X things that we can let go of so we have capacity to serve
Need encouragement? Here are some articles to help you reflect:
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