Be FreeSample

True Freedom in Christ

In Galatians 5:1-15, Paul speaks to the church in Galatia about Christian freedom. He warns against the belief that Christians needed to follow the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be saved. Paul emphasizes that salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ, and that while the Law was good in its time, it no longer has the power to justify anyone. The focus is that true freedom is found in Christ, not in works or rituals. Paul also reminds the believers that this freedom should not be used as an excuse to sin but as a way to love and serve one another.

The Greek word for freedom used here is eleutheria (ἐλευθερία), meaning “freedom from slavery” or “independence.” In the context of Galatians, this freedom is freedom from the yoke of the Law, but also deliverance from sin and condemnation. True freedom is not doing everything we want, but living in alignment with God’s purpose, unshackled from sin and guilt.

Now, imagine you could do whatever you wanted, without limits: wake up when you please, eat what you want, without having to obey anyone. At first glance, this sounds appealing, but think about it—if that were the case, would you be who you are today? Probably not. Being free from any authority or responsibility may seem good, but ultimately, that kind of freedom would enslave us to our own desires and impulses.

When Christ speaks of freedom, He frees us not only from the Law but also from ourselves, from our sinful nature. The concept of Christian freedom is countercultural: it means putting to death the desires of the flesh, being free to love and serve, just as Christ loved and served us.

True freedom is not doing what we want but having the ability to choose what is right, even when it goes against our deepest desires. Christ is our example of love and service. He has set us free to live a life of fullness, but also in obedience to His will.

The Story of the Freed Slave

There was once a man who, during the time of slavery, went to a market to buy a slave. When he approached a woman, she insulted him and spat in his face. Without retaliating, he paid for her and went to her with the document of her freedom. He said, “I bought you to set you free.” The woman, astonished, didn’t know what to do. She ran to him and said, “You are a good man. Let me go with you. I want to serve you for the rest of my life.” This is freedom—the choice to serve out of love, not obligation.

Christ set us free from the slavery of sin so that we might choose to love and serve Him with gratitude and love. He does not desire forced servants but friends who choose Him out of love. May we, like this freed slave, respond to Christ’s love with sincere devotion.