I.
Let’s take our cue for our reflections this week from the opening words of this Scripture passage –
“For you were called to freedom … enslaved to one another”
As you read this passage, take note of what this freedom, Kingdom of God freedom, brings us.
II.
Galatians 5:13-26 (NRSVue)
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
III.
Does “freedom” have limits?
What do you notice we are freed to and freed from?
Which is easier to deal with? What Paul reports is outside a Kingdom of God life or the “fruit of the Spirit“?
Which is easier, to make a list of things to avoid or a list of attitudes and dispositions to cultivate?
charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}