Free People Free People: Using Your Freedom to Love
Freedom is one of the most misunderstood words today. We often see freedom as the ability to do whatever we want, whenever we want, and without anyone standing in our way. The world views freedom as independence and control; however, Scripture calls us to a deeper understanding.
Freedom isn’t just about you; it also affects the people around you.
Paul describes freedom in Galatians 5:13: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Paul teaches us that the freedom Jesus died to give isn’t just for ourselves. It’s not about avoiding responsibility or doing whatever feels good. It’s about Jesus setting us free from sin so we can love others well and help them find that same freedom. As Flatirons Church says: free people free people.
The people who first read Paul’s words had come to know Jesus and were trying to understand what Paul was saying and how it should look in their daily lives. Some believed that following Jesus meant obeying all the religious rules, while others thought they could live however they wanted. Paul corrected both lines of thinking, teaching that true freedom isn’t found in law or license, it’s found in love.
The word “serve” that Paul uses carries a powerful meaning. It means to become a servant or even a slave. Isn’t that a shocking way to describe freedom? But Paul makes the point that the highest expression of freedom isn’t in self-indulgence, it’s in selfless giving.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this kind of freedom. Although He was completely free, He chose to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet, laid down His life, and used His freedom to bless others.
This is the same kind of freedom Jesus invites each of us to experience.
Paul’s warning about “indulging the flesh” is also important. He’s not just warning us against serious sins or reckless choices; he’s cautioning us about the quiet slide toward self-centered living that happens when we use our freedom only for our own benefit, when our lives begin to revolve around our comfort, our schedule, and our peace. This can happen gradually and has the potential to narrow our world and be highly destructive.
So, what do we do with this?
Paul tells us that we are called to be free. This means that freedom has a purpose. It’s not just something we receive, it’s something we are instructed to live out through love.
This kind of freedom often begins small by paying attention to the people around you and stepping in when you see a need. It might look like helping a coworker who’s overwhelmed, giving your child’s friend a ride, or inviting the person sitting alone at church to join you. We don’t need to overthink freedom; we can start by simply helping those around us whom God helps us to see.
But we must also be open to interruptions and inconveniences. True love rarely fits neatly into our schedules. The most meaningful moments often occur when we are willing to pause our plans for someone else. This is what Jesus did. He stopped for people, noticed those who were overlooked, and used His freedom to love them well.
Just be available. Let your freedom extend beyond yourself, and you’ll start to see how God uses your obedience to breathe life into others.
The freedom Jesus gives us doesn’t end with us; it flows through us. We were set free from sin to help others discover that same freedom in Christ.
Don’t waste your freedom. Use it to love others well.
If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.