Serve One Another
(S) Scripture
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
Galatians 5:13-14 (NASB77)
(O) Observation
Paul reminds the people that their freedom in Christ is not a freedom to sin but rather it is being free to show our love by serving one another. Paul has picked up on Jesus' teaching and again emphasizes that the whole law is fulfilled in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Here it is again and it is so simple and yet so profound. We are to love God and others.
(A) Application
I wonder why we make things so complicated. We get so caught up in the details of theology that we miss what we are called to accomplish. We argue over the method of baptism and Jesus says, "love each other". We fight over dress codes and Jesus says, "love each other." When will we get it right. Now we have been learning in the 40 Days of Love that this love isn't wishy-washy or gushy or dismissing of the truth. Rather it is tough and addresses sin and corrects bad behavior. Speaking the truth in love is hard and difficult at times and requires an element of personal risk and yet we are compelled to speak it. The verses I chose today from Galatians 5 fit right in to the theme for this Sunday when we resume the 40 Days of Love. The theme for this week is "Love Serves" and here it is in the Life Journal reading for today. How great is our God and what a sense of humor. We just can't get away from this call to show our love through serving others. It is something that we should try.
Today I will focus on serving others as an expression of my love for God
What about you?
(P) Prayer
Lord, too often I want to be served rather than to serve others. Keep me focused on serving you by serving others to day. Help me to make this a habit and a daily expression of my faith in you. Amen
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