Called to Liberty

Galatians 5:13-15

13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Many people misunderstand the calling of a Christian. They believe Christians have to live by a set of rules, often referred to as do’s and don’ts. Paul tells the Galatians that is the wrong idea about Christianity. Speaking to fellow believers, Paul says they have been called to liberty. The liberty he referred to was freedom from the yoke of bondage of the law. Even though Christians have been freed from the law does not mean they can use their liberty to sin. Paul said Christian liberty is to be used in serving one another. He then reminds them of the purpose of the law, which Jesus said was fulfilled in two commandments, one being, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Christian liberty is not to be used for selfish reasons. That leads to biting and devouring one another, which is what was taking place in Galatia. The legalistic Jews exalted themselves over the Gentile believers resulting in them tearing each other down rather than building up one another in love.

The law is severe. If you strictly abide by the law, then any deviation from it requires some consequence. The law demands a life for a life, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Lev. 24:17-22). Under the law, you cannot say, “I forgive you,” and act as though the lawbreaker never sinned. However, in Christ, this is precisely the liberty we have received. When you have been wronged, you are free to extend forgiveness to another. You don’t have to require restitution or reparation for what has been done to you. Likewise, others don’t have to demand the same of you for any wrongs you have committed. This kind of attitude truly exemplifies what love is. Biblical love is not a mere sentimental feeling. It is a commitment to do what is best for another even at your own expense. That is why Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Rom. 5:8). God showed His love for you before you ever asked Him for forgiveness. God still shows His love toward those who continue to live in rebellion to Him because He wants what is best for them. How do you behave toward others who have wronged you? Do you demand obedience to the law and the necessary consequences that accompany it? Or are you able to forgive and use your liberty to serve another in love? You have seen what the Lord has done for you, so why not do the same for others? The next time someone wrongs you, remember that you have the freedom to uphold the law or to use your liberty to serve another in love. Keep in mind what Jesus has done for you, and don’t forget that you have been called to liberty.