A Word of Encouragement

October 26, 2026

FA158 - Lonely Beach

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
	Galatians 5:1

I believe here that Paul is talking about slavery to the Law. There were some in Galatia who were saying you had to obey the Law of Moses to be saved. But He wrote, "If you put yourself under the Law, Christ will be of no benefit to you - you are obligated to obey the whole Law." (Galatians 5:2-4)

Instead of working our way to God, "We, through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness." (Galatians 5:5) God reached out to us, through His Son, and gave us His Spirit.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Emphasis mine	Galatians 5:6

It is not about obeying the Law, - Paul was well aware, that is a never-ending struggle. (Romans 7:14-24) - It is about living what we believe - believing God and letting His Spirit guide us. We have been set free, but that doesn't mean we do whatever we want!

You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
	Galatians 5:14-15

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But that goes against our flesh - our nature! That is why God has given us His Spirit. So. Paul exhorts us, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh... for these are in opposition to one another." (Galatians 5:16-17)

God's Spirit puts His perfect standard in us!

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
	Galatians 5:22-23

El Shaddai - God Almighty - thank You for Your Spirit, help me live by Your standard - love.

If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.
	Galatians 5:25

Set free to follow God's Spirit,