Galatians 5: Embrace Freedom!

Verse 1: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 

◇ It seems that there has been little change in religious thinking and life, whether it was 2000 years ago when Paul lived or in our present time. It appears that we still cannot fully break away from legalistic faith, both in the past and now. Although we try to break free, legalistic thoughts and habits subtly creep back in.

Paul is cautious about those who advocate circumcision. He strongly argues that if you undergo circumcision, the death and resurrection of Christ will be of no use. If you get circumcised, you are obligated not to stop there but to follow the entire law. Paul is deeply concerned about this attitude of returning to the law's slavery after gaining freedom from it through Jesus Christ.

Paul's message to be free from all law practices, represented by circumcision, does not mean to discard the law itself. It is about discarding the deceptive and seductive practices of the law, not uprooting the law itself: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:14)

Paul says that the fundamental spirit of the law is love. The essence of the law is not circumcision, festivals, or purification rites but love. Love for God, love for neighbors, and the provisions and practices of the law were created to fulfill that love. However, the roles have reversed, and love has disappeared, leaving only the provisions and practices of the law.

What about our faith today? Has our spiritual life advanced since Paul's time? Have the roles possibly changed?

♧ Lord, what freedom can there be in religious practices without love for God? Grant us the freedom that comes from love for God and love for our neighbors! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!