But by Love Serve One Another

2018-06-09

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (Galatians 5:13-15)

Having been set free from being under the law, we realize that we do not need to “perform” in order to be saved or earn God’s favor. We “have been called unto liberty” (Galatians 5:13). Now the temptation is for us to think we can now have a free-for-all, serving ourselves, and doing what we want to do at the expense of others. We are warned here that this is not the case. We are called to serve others.

The message of the cross is to die to ourselves, and now live to God and for others. The second greatest commandment, “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18), comes to mind. Most commands in the Old Testament are reflected in loving God or other people in some way. The heart of the law, if you want to really fulfill it in your life, is to take your eyes off yourself, and look to serve the Lord and other people.