The Freedom in Christ by Cheryl Williams
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command. Love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:13-14)
I accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of 20. Living alone as a young single woman, in the early 70’s, society was becoming loose in many ways and old rules for women were changing. In these early years, I was exposed to lifestyles and situations that I had never been around before, and I admit that I was tempted a few times to participate--and I found myself in one situation that I should not have been in. But at that moment, I had a realization that God was telling me NO, you belong to me. That changed everything for me going forward.
Paul warns us against “self-indulgence” in the name of freedom. With his own blood, Christ has purchased for those who trust him, a freedom from slavery to our sinfulness under the law. We are forgiven. This freedom is not an opportunity to indulge in our sinful natures or the flesh but is a call to serve others through love. Love your neighbor as yourself. It’s not about accepting their behavior but showing them love and pointing them to God by embodying the spirit of love, which is motivated by the Holy Spirit.