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You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Two weeks ago, the United States celebrated its freedom proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Throughout its history, America has striven to define, declare, and defend freedom as one of its highest ideals and most valuable treasures.

Some say that the best way to celebrate your freedom is to use it. But what if my use of my freedom infringes on your freedom? When freedom is focused entirely on self, it inevitably takes away someone else’s freedom.

The Bible talks a lot about freedom, but its interest is not in earthly laws or government. Biblical freedom transcends every border and boundary that divides humanity. It seeks to restore everything—particularly the human race—to the perfect state in which it was originally created.

Even the societies that value freedom most are subject to cruel slavery, and I’m not talking about the atrocities of human trafficking or people forced into labor for other people. The Bible says that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Your heart and mine are naturally held captive by selfish thoughts and desires that oppose God’s perfect design for our lives.

But Jesus came to set us free. With his life of perfect love and his innocent death, he paid the slave price to release us from our sin and its punishment. Not only that, but he also freed us from the obligation to earn God’s favor by our obedience by keeping God’s law in our place.

So, what will we do with our freedom? Today’s verse says, “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another in love.” Since we have been set free, we don’t want to become slaves to sin again by serving only our own interests. Instead, knowing that Jesus gave himself in selfless love for my freedom makes me want to show that love to others. I have nothing to prove and nothing to fear before God. I am loved, forgiven, and set free. Now, I can love as I have been loved—humbly, selflessly serving those whom God has put in my life.

Jesus, help me to use my freedom to serve others in love. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.