Freedom, Love and Faith

(NIV)Galatians 5:1, 4-6, 13-14
[1] It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
[4] You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. [5] For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. [6] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
[13] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

What an awesome section of scripture talking about freedom and love and faith. The three are so closely interwoven. Because of His love for us, Jesus set us free from the requirements of the law. It is by grace through our faith that we appropriate that freedom, and it ultimately bears fruit in our lives as love for others and ourselves. I could sit and think about this for years and not plumb the dept of it all.

There is also a balance to maintain, as a focus on one component without the others leads to wrong thinking and action. Some people focus on freedom and end up only concerned about themselves. Some focus on love of themselves rather than others, again ending in selfishness. Some focus on faith so much that they lose any understanding of the value of relationships. It is critical that we maintain a right attitude of gratitude and love towards the Lord, for what He has accomplished. We must maintain love for ourselves and others. We must walk in faith - depending on the Lord to guide us and help us to understand the real meaning of freedom.