March 29, 2023
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
Thought:
We have established that we no longer have to strive to get God’s attention or earn His approval. Therefore, we are suddenly free to turn our focus and attention to the needs of others! Christ does not give us freedom so we can live selfishly – bound to the slavery of our desires – but He allows us to live the way of heaven: love. This is a simple yet profound concept. Our freedom allows us to exchange being enslaved to our selfish desires for being enslaved to one another in love. And when our faith works itself out through love, we will have done everything the law requires. Romans 13:8 (NIV) says it this way: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Application:
1. How is the Holy Spirit prompting you to love others today?
2. Our mission at Ethos Church is “To love all people in Jesus’ name.” When we participate in that together, we will fulfill the law and glorify God. Proof is all over the New Testament. Take a look at these affirming verses: Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34-35, James 2:8, Galatians 6:2, Romans 8:4, Matthew 5:17, 1 Peter 4:8