Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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True Freedom in Christ: Living by Faith and Love

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:1-6

Key verse:   “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.” - Galatians 5:1
 
DEVOTION

The freedom that Christ gives is not the kind of freedom we hear about in the world around us. It is not about doing whatever we want or chasing after whatever feels good. It is not the kind of freedom that comes from walking away from responsibility. It is much deeper than that. It is the kind of freedom that allows us to breathe again. It lifts the weight off our shoulders, the weight we may not even realize we have been carrying.
St. Paul tells the Galatians, and us, that Christ has set us free. He urges us to stand firm. That means we must not return to the old burdens we once knew. We must not let guilt, fear, or performance become our master again. For many of us, this is easier said than done. We often slip into cycles of trying to prove ourselves: to God, to others, even to ourselves. We measure our value by our achievements, our discipline, our image. But none of that brings lasting peace.
This passage reminds us that faith is not about trying harder. It is about trusting deeper. And that trust leads us to love more fully. St. Paul says what matters is “faith working through love.” If our freedom in Christ is real, then it must show itself in how we love. Not just how we feel, but how we act. How we forgive. How we care for those who have nothing to offer us in return. How we show up for others when it costs us something.
Freedom in Christ is not selfish. It is self-giving. It is not loud. It is quiet, steady, and holy. When we live in that freedom, our faith becomes less about what we must do, and more about who we are becoming. Not perfect. Not impressive. But faithful. And free.
So let us ask ourselves, are we still carrying a yoke that Christ already lifted? Are we loving from a place of freedom, or out of fear? The freedom Jesus offers is not shallow. It is meant to shape our entire lives.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for freeing us from the weight of sin, shame, and self. Teach us to stand firm in that freedom. Remind us when we are tempted to go back to old ways of thinking. Guide us to live by faith and to love with sincerity. Help us to be patient when growth is slow, and to rejoice in the grace that meets us every day. May our lives reflect Your truth, and may our freedom always point back to You. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"So if the son sets you free you will be free indeed"
John 8.36

Roji Varughese, Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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