S – For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another

Galatians 5:13 ESV

O – Commentary:

Having shown that justification comes by faith alone, Paul now addresses the question, “If we don’t keep the law, then what will guide our conduct?” His answer is that righteousness comes from the Spirit. The Judaizers probably warned that Paul’s message of freedom (5:1) would put believers on a slippery slope to moral ruin. Paul argues that freedom is not a license to sin, because love guides Christians. Liberty should be used to serve one another in love

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Ga 5:13–6:10.

A – In Christ, we are granted freedom from sin and other things that keep us in bondage.  That freedom is our testimony to others so they will want to know God in the same way.  The lithmus test is how our freedom results in thoughts, words and actions and their alignment with God’s heart and character.  If they align, we are emulating Christ.  If not, we need to evaluate whether it is for our own selfish motives.  The journey of growing in Christ is continuing to move in the freedom He provides as we become more like Him.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the foundation of love in our lives.  Thank you for displaying your love to us in our relationship with you.  Help us to emulate it to others so they can choose you as their Savior.  Empower our thoughts, words and actions to align with you today.