Freedom to Serve - Galatians 5:13

Galatians 5:13 -- "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."

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Through Jesus, we are free!

John 8:36 -- "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."

Jesus has the power to free us from our bondage and our sin. When we give our lives over to Jesus, He works in us helping us to become free. Jesus gives us the strength to overcome our sin, our anxieties and our bad habits.

Philippians 4:13 -- "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

However, we are not supposed to keep this freedom for ourselves, we are to share it with others. We are not to use our freedom for selfish purposes, but to help others.

Matthew 22:37-39 -- "Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Jesus gave us two commandments to follow - love God and love you neighbor. You neighbor includes everyone you see, meet or interact with throughout your days.

Jesus gave us freedom, but He also gave us even more than that -- He gave us purpose. He wants us to help others with whatever they need. We can help by providing meals, fixing things around the house, give an encouraging word or even just offering a hug or a smile. God wants to show His love to all His creation. He wants us to let Him shine through us into the world around us.

God gives us the choice with how to use our freedom, but He wants us to give it freely so that He may give us strength and life.

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