Saturday, October 17, 2026

Scripture

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another.” Galatians 5:13

Reflections

Martin Luther, in his tract called “On the Freedom of a Christian” stated, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.  A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.”  This paradox is the life of a Christian.

We are free through faith in Jesus Christ.  We need not fear condemnation.  Fear enslaves, but grace and forgiveness frees.  By faith alone, God sets us utterly, completely, free in Christ.  By faith alone we receive all that Christ gives.  We are left as lord of all, subject to none.  As the Apostle Paul wrote in Gal. 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free.”

At the same time, we are slaves to others out of love.  When we trust in Jesus, his Spirit fills our lives and becomes the driving force of all we do.  Love binds us as utterly dutiful servants to our neighbor, subject to everyone.  Love by its very nature is ready to serve and be subject to the one who is loved.

The Christian life is lived between the twin poles of faith and love.  All this has its foundation in Christ Jesus, Lord of all, who was utterly free yet bound himself to serve his creatures and win their salvation.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being my example.  Although you were Lord of all creation, you emptied yourself, taking the form of a slave.  Though I am free, help me to live as a slave to all.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Galatians 5:13-15