Galatians 5:2-15

Be Still: Lord, I give this day – and this moment – to you. Help me turn my attention from life’s distractions and towards you and your presence. (Pause... close your eyes and.... breathe.) Come, lead me, and guide me today. I invite you into the depths of my heart. Amen

Read: Galatians 5:2-15

 ‘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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ (v13-14) 

Encounter: Our kids have developed a beautiful habit if one of them is upset after a mishap – without fail, the other two rush off and return with the upset child’s soft toy. It honestly makes me emotional every time. And the reason it feels so significant is that we never taught them to do it. We didn’t ask or expect it. It came purely from their own desire to love their sibling. 

In that moment, they are free. They aren’t responsible for fixing things – that’s our job as parents. They could carry on playing or watching TV and no one would think anything of it. But instead, they choose to respond. They use their freedom to love and to serve. 

I think Paul is going somewhat deeper here than simply ‘be kind to one another’. He’s showing us what true freedom looks like. Freedom isn’t doing whatever we want: it’s being released from ourselves enough to notice others. When love is a free choice rather than an obligation, we catch a glimpse of real freedom. 

This is the quiet miracle of the gospel. Because we are no longer enslaved – to sin, to fear, or to self – we are free to love. Not out of duty, guilt, or pressure, but from a place of security and joy. That kind of love doesn’t restrict us; it reveals just how free we really are. 

Apply: Where in your life do you still treat love and service as an obligation rather than a free choice? Are there people or situations where you feel reluctant, tired, or resistant? Ask God to help you see service, not as something you have to do, but something you are free to do. Notice where the Spirit might be inviting you to respond with love – not out of pressure, but out of freedom. 

Devote: Jesus, thank you for setting me free. Free from fear, free from obligation, and free from living only for myself. Help me to use that freedom to love and serve others with joy. Lead me by your Spirit, so that my life reflects the freedom you've given me.