Galatians 5:13-15 – Christian Liberty

Paul began in Galatians 5:1 by imploring the Galatians not to return to the “yoke of bondage.” They had already found their liberty in Christ, so it made no sense for them to want to return to their former burden. What exactly is this freedom or liberty that Paul was talking about? What did Paul mean by freedom? Primarily, in Paul’s context, the freedom that he was referring to is the freedom of the conscience. And in three short verses, he painted some qualities of that liberty. 

Firstly, we see that this freedom is not license (v.13). It is a call not to indulge in the flesh. Believers are freed from sin but not freed to sin. Having chosen faith in Christ, believers are expected not to indulge in their carnal desires.

Secondly, the freedom which Paul talked about is the freedom to show love to one’s neighbors. It is not a call to exploit one’s neighbors for personal gain. In verse 13, we are told that a Christian’s liberty enables a person to serve others. And verse 15 implies that if one considers one’s neighbors with love, that person would not backbite and devour them. Such malicious acts destroy rather than build up.       

Thirdly, we see that when believers love others, they fulfill the Law (v.14). The whole Law according to Paul here is summed up in the commandment that says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The believers liberty is to live a life of love towards others especially fellow believers, and to love is to fulfill the whole Law.

As we continue to walk with Christ and live in the liberty He had enable us to live, let’s remember that the freedom we have in Him does not give us the right to do as we please, but to do as we ought.