Galatians 5:1-15
Tuesday, 18 October 2022
“… through love serve one another.” “Galatians 5:13
Apostle Paul writes to the Galatian church that Christ had set them free from sin and from the obligation of the observances of the Law and so they were to not to misuse that freedom but live responsibly. In fact instead of being entangled in doctrines that made demands on them to do additional things for their salvation, what was more important was faith working itself through love (V.6).
When we capture the meaning of agape love, we understand that our lives energized by the benevolent love of God must give the same love to those around us. The world needs this love. When people usually extend love for some kind of benefit, Christian love is based on the pure motive of expressing divine love. It does not expect anything in return, but is willing to give sacrificially; willing to persevere even when the other person doesn’t respond!
Jesus through His life showed three powerful motivated acts of AGAPE. We receive the capacity to express the divine love when we practice these
Humility
In John 13:14,15 when Jesus washes the feet of His disciple, He tells us “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” Washing the feet is the symbol of serving another person. In Matt.18:4 He said “Whoever humbles ---- is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
It calls for understanding of one’s identity to become truly humble. Ego puffs up and instigates haughtiness –such people cannot serve in humility. They will only extend service for a reward or with contempt! Do we understand who we are in Christ and who we were earlier? What can we boast then? Let us understand that humility is not the lack of self-respect – but it is rather respect for others. Because we respect the Lord and also a brother in the Lord, we become humble enough to serve without any demand!
Authority
Even when Jesus showed His humility and set an example for us to follow, He was always aware of His authority. Once He spoke ‘… that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins….” The Pharisees stated that Jesus was not like the scribes but spoke with authority…. After His resurrection, God bestowed on Him the greatest authority. Phil.2: 9,10 – the name above all names! In Luke 10:19 Jesus gave authority to His disciples. A believer who knows his authority will be able to serve others responsibly knowing that He is representing the supreme authority!
Operating in the God-given authority brings stability in our lives. Father, Mother, Husband, Wife, Pastor, Leader - all will be effective in discharging their respective duties when they know their authority!
Unity
There is perfect unity in the Trinity, which is the standard of unity to be followed by a believer. In Mat.26:42, we could see the Son in perfect unity with the Father! Jesus said in Mat.18:19 “If two of you agree on earth….” In the family and in the Church, it is unity that will help them progress in their service of the Lord. But one element that always tries to destroy unity is interpersonal issues. Bible says in Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” Romans15:1: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength…”
Operating in humility and unity perfectly understanding our authority, let us serve others, thus demonstrating to this world, the divine love that was poured into us.
Think on: “You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” -Amy Carmichael
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