So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom.
What is the difference between doing something because you have to and because you want to? The difference is not in the task or technical execution; it is a difference in motivation. A person acting from desire often operates with more willingness and, as a result, more care and investment. A person fulfilling an obligation may get the job done, but they are often indifferent about the outcome. When we live as those being judged by a law of freedom, we stop treating God’s commands as obligations but as the best way to live according to Him. Loving others moves from something we know we should do as good Christians and becomes a joyful opportunity to live as a witness for God. Galatians 5:13 says, “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.”
What would change in our lives and the world around us if we embraced this opportunity to daily live out the love we have been shown? What kind of impact could be made if we shifted our mindset from obligation to opportunity to join our heavenly Father? When we live in the freedom of grace, we freely love others, not based on our own bias but according to the extravagant love of God.
- When have you served out of obligation? When have you served because you wanted to? What was the difference?
- How have you viewed serving others in the past? How can focusing on how God has served us change that?
- Pray and thank God for giving you the opportunity to join His kingdom work. Ask Him to grow you as you are taking the opportunity to love others.
