Called to Be Free
Date: July 5, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "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." (Galatians 5:13)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: "Hey God, open my heart and ears to receive Your Word today. Speak to me through this verse and guide me in understanding its meaning and how it applies to my life. Help me to grow in love and service towards others. In Jesus' name, amen."
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The book of Galatians was written by the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia. In this letter, Paul addresses the issue of legalism and emphasizes the freedom we have in Christ. The Galatians were being misled by false teachers who encouraged following Jewish laws and traditions. Paul reminds them that true freedom is found in Christ alone. However, this freedom should not be used as an excuse to gratify their own selfish desires. Instead, they are encouraged to serve one another humbly in love. True freedom is not about doing whatever we please, but about using our freedom to love and serve others.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Freedom: The believers in Galatia were called to be free in Christ. This freedom is not a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity to live in love and service.
Indulge the flesh: Paul warns against using our freedom to satisfy our sinful nature or selfish desires.
Serve one another: The focus should be on humbly serving others, putting their needs above our own, and demonstrating love through actions.
S - Summarize and Share:
As followers of Christ, we have been called to freedom. That's pretty awesome, right? But here's the thing – this freedom isn't an excuse to do whatever we want. Instead, it's an invitation to something greater – serving one another in love.
You see, when we truly understand the freedom we have in Christ, it changes our perspective. It's not about satisfying our own desires or being self-centered. It's about using that freedom to love and serve others. It's about humbly putting their needs before our own.
Imagine a community where everyone embraced this mindset. It would be a place where people genuinely care for one another, support each other, and encourage one another. It would reflect the heart of Jesus and draw others closer to Him.
How about we try to not just think about ourselves and what makes us happy. Let's take our freedom and use it to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether it's lending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, or speaking words of encouragement, every act of love matters.
Take a moment to think about how you can practically apply this in your life. Who can you serve? How can you show Christ's love to those around you? Remember, true freedom is found in selfless service, not in selfish indulgence.
4 Bible Cross References:
Romans 14:13 - "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."