PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Mar
14

Freedom To Love

John Tilton

Scripture
Galatians 5:13-15 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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Observation
Paul reminds the Galatians of their freedom through Jesus Christ in contrast to the law of the Old Testament whereby the law defined their trespasses and sacrifice was their repentance. Subsequently, he makes a significant point that loving one’s neighbor fulfills the entire law, and to be cautious of having ought with one another, less all be hurt. Thus, the law was a penal code and procedure, yet conversely, Jesus brought forth freedom that was founded in love that thereby overshadowed and pre-empted the law … wow!
Application
Rules, regulations and laws are an integral and prevalent part of our lives whether it be work, school, organizations and even our families. They define and give us guidance and parameters for us with a goal of organization and order. Yet it is often so easy to get caught up in the rules, regulations, laws, organization and order of things that affect and hamper our relationships with others in contrast to God’s call to allow love to prevail and set foundational precedence. It is such a delicate balance for me at times to seek order and organization in the interest of goals and success without being task oriented, and thereby affecting relationships subsequently leaving collateral damage along the way. As Paul speaks of love taking precedence over the law, I seek to enable love through my relationships take precedence over my type A personality in organization and order, yet still allow me to realize success in my goals. I have been given freedom to love through Jesus Christ, I seek to let that love flow through my character and actions.
Prayer
Dear Lord, it is amazing how you gave your son Jesus Christ to be the new covenant so that love would prevail over the endeavor to follow the law. May I thus enjoy your grace and love, and be obedient to your will and freedom through Christ, thereby enjoying the freedom to share your love and not endeavor like those in the Old Testament that toiled at following your will. May you then allow wonderful relationships to be founded on your love rather then my propensity to get caught up in rules, regulations, laws, policies and procedures.

Devotions for March 14

Deuteronomy 25,26,27
Galatians 5

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