VII.
Let’s take another look at this passage and take special note of the way (and ways) freedom can be expressed by those who are part of the Christian community.

VIII.
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.

IX.
Where does the freedom Paul speaks of lead? How is it lived out in our communities of believers?

You might look at what he says should not be part of our communities.

You also can take note of where the Spirit guides us?

Which is easier for you to deal with? A list of what not to do or a list of the “fruit” (behaviors and attitudes) the Spirit guides us to?

How do you sense the Spirit guiding you to this kind of freedom?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}