Galatians 5 reminds me of walking through the Quad on a recent visit to my alma mater. That is the central greenspace that is open for all to speak, protest or raise awareness. I recall “evangelists” visiting the campus shouting words of judgement, accusation and condemnation. Their motivation may have been sincere, but very little they said represented the love of Christ. Today’s lesson is about demonstrating love through action. Paul continues his insistence that “Christ has set us free” from the “yoke of slavery”. Those are emotionally charged words, but Paul spoke to some who were literal slaves. He also spoke to those enslaved in a belief system of pride and exclusion. They demanded acts of initiation to become members of the club, and those deemed unworthy were scorned. Paul insists that if your actions can make you righteous, then “Christ will be of no value to you at all”. Most pick and choose which parts of the law to follow, but Paul notes, those under the law are “obligated to obey the whole law”. In fact, he turns the argument around completely; “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ”. You cannot have it both ways, we either trust Christ, or we trust the law. Paul used circumcision as an example of trying to make yourself righteous through your own efforts. He points out that “In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value”. So, what is important? “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love”. That statement should make us carefully choose which signs we select to hold high, and how we act toward those passing by.
Paul reminds them of a biblical concept, “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough”. Fermentation causes the entire loaf to rise. Likewise, arrogance puffs us up, causing us to look down on others. Paul contrasts “the One who calls you”, that is Christ; with “The one who is throwing you into confusion”. Paul blasts the “agitators” that divide by adding qualifiers to the work of Christ. We might ask, if we are not bound by the law, are we free to live as we please? Paul is clear, “do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love”. Humility helps us see the pain in others. We are told “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Every single person you see today needs hope and healing.
The chapter closes with an explanation of how a sinner saved by grace can live with joy in a fallen world. Paul says “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”. That is much easier said than done because, “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh”. They are in conflict with each other. Paul offers the first step in living out our faith, “if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law”. That means when we fall short of perfection, which we all will, we are not condemned. God is quick to forgive and restore all who seek forgiveness. But what about those that do not desire unity with the Spirit? Paul lists the result of indulging the flesh; “sexual immorality… debauchery… hatred, discord, jealousy… rage, selfish ambition… envy… drunkenness”. For the sake of space, I abbreviated the list, but his point is, the end result of a self-centered life is emptiness. Emptiness makes us vengeful. I believe Paul is including the “religious” that trust in their own self-righteousness. Paul then lists the attributes of those that honor God out of gratitude. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, Peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness… gentleness and self-control”. The Holy Spirit of God encourages us to be Christ-centered, and extend His mercy to others. Paul concludes, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other”. Jesus demonstrated His love for us on the cross to set us free. My friend, right now healing and hope are available to everyone who calls on His Name by faith.