Learning to Let Go: Finding Freedom in SurrenderSample

DAY 5: A SLAVE TO LOVE

But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13 NLT)

Josefa Llanes Escoda is more than just the Founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. She is also touted as “The Philippines’ Florence Nightingale”–and rightly so. She advocated for the needy and strongly campaigned for laborers. She was also a key figure in the establishment of Boy’s Town. Then, during the war, she and her husband risked their lives to help several concentration camp prisoners, sending them food and medicine. This resulted in her arrest, torture, and eventually, death.

Dorcas, too, lived to serve others. “She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36). And although she didn’t die in service of others like Josefa, many grieved when Dorcas died: “The room was filled with widows who were weeping” (v. 39). Dorcas gave freely and in doing so, she gained much. For one, there’s the affection of those she served. But more than that, she also gained a testimony that’s etched not just in the pages of the Bible but also, in Eternity.

As Christians, we are called to “use [our] freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). It can be as grand as dying in service like Josefa, or it can be as simple as making clothes for the needy like Dorcas. Whichever it is, let us remember that we’re never on the losing side when we give. Nor are we less free when we serve. In the upside-down Kingdom of God, He “blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Let’s exercise our freedom the right way. Let’s be of service to others.

Who needs your help today? What act of service can you offer someone, whether a friend or a stranger?

Dear God, please help me to see people with Your Eyes and to love people with Your Heart. May I follow Jesus’ Example and count others more significant than myself.