Monday 26 May 2008

Do good to all

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6v10

By this stage in the book of Galatians one thing should be abundantly clear. Christians are free from the Law. It has no more power over us. The chains are broken. The tutor has done his job. We are liberated from its burdens and constraints.

Alright then, what do we do with that freedom? Does it mean that we just run about doing whatever we want?

This has already been addressed once with the passage about not using our liberty to serve our flesh, but to in love put each other first. Here it is made practical – since you are free from the law and not bound to constantly trying to keep it, use every opportunity you have to do good to all people. Especially seek to do good to your brothers and sisters in Christ.

The whole focus has changed – under the Law people were worried about trying to keep every aspect of it. It was all consuming and constricting. There really was no opportunity to do anything else. Now though we have that opportunity. It is now all about others.

This is the natural result of loving God. To simplify the law of Christ we might say, “Love God and love other!” Loving others always involves action. Take every opportunity to show love by doing good to all men. Yes, that starts with the body of Christ, but it extends to all.

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