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Galatians 5:13, 14 - Choose Freedom Not Slavery; Service Not Sin.

Galatians 5:13, 14 (NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Galatians 5:13, 14 (EAV) For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. 14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.

INTRODUCTION

   Paul distinguishes between freedom to sin and freedom to serve. Freedom to sin offers no freedom at all, because it enslaves us to Satan, others, or our own sinful nature. Christians should not be slaves to sin, because we are free to do what God wants and to glorify him by demonstrating loving service to others.
   When believers lose the motivation to love, we become critical of others. We stop looking for good in them and see only their faults. Soon we lose our unity. Have you talked behind someone's back? Have you focused on others' shortcomings instead of their strengths? Remind yourself of Jesus' command to love others as you love yourself (Matthew 22:39). When you feel critical of someone, make a list of that person's positive qualities. When you hear gossip or backbiting, confront those doing it or walk away. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   In the predawn hours, I stood in the laundry room, yawning and stuffing towels into the washer. My mind was divided between my task and my prayer: "Lord, please help me be a better wife, a better mom, nana, daughter, sister, neighbor, stranger" - I dropped the lid with a startled jerk. A better stranger? Where did that come from? I wondered. Jesus answered my question. He reminded me of a long-ago afternoon in a parking lot during my early days of following Him.
   As I waited in the car, a woman exited the store pushing a shopping cart and yelling at the crying toddler inside it. My heart hurt for the little boy and for his upset mother; I felt powerless to help. Until I remembered that I could pray. So until their car faded from sight, I prayed for the little boy and his mom, lifting them up in every way I could think of.
   Jesus taught that our neighbor is anyone who crosses our path. If it's in our power to do another person good, then Jesus wants us to love them as He would. After living away from family members most of my life and relocating several times, I tend to pay attention to the expressions and body language of people around me. It's often easy to spot someone who might need a friendly smile and kind words. Maybe my semiconscious prayer means I need to renew my commitment, asking Jesus to help me see each person through His eyes so I'll know how to love and pray for them. Dianne Neal Matthews
   Faith Step: As you go about your day, watch for any new "neighbors" Jesus puts in your path. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

INSIGHT AND PARADOX

How does one understand vs 14 to be in harmony with the First and Great Commandment? Since one can't love thy neighbor without a relationship with God where this love comes from; then, if you are loving thy neighbor then you must already have done the first and great commandment in order to have the love to love thy neighbor. F. Gibbs

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Galatians 5:13, 14 - How Freedom and Slavery Differ.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231007-0902.html

Galatians 5:13 - Choose Freedom Not Slavery; Service Not Sin.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220125-0852.html

James 2:8 - The Royal Law of Love.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210922-0905.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/