It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:1, 13-15

The freedom we enjoy as believers is different from what others may expect; they also are free, but restricted in some ways. That much is a given. There are always things a person can or cannot do.

Our freedom is intentional and not incidental. Christ set us free for freedom, Paul says. If we have such a freedom, we therefore do not give ourselves over to the corruptible and limiting flesh but serve one another in the Spirit.

The freedom of the world emphasizes the individual; the freedom in Jesus is about the unity we share as believers. We are free, but that freedom had a price and a purpose. The price and the purpose are united in Jesus; let us also pursue unity as His people.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published June 22, 2021