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.

— Galatians 5:13

A volunteer at Roseland Christian Ministries saw a sign for the celebration of Juneteenth and said, “Why can’t we all just celebrate July 4? What is Juneteenth anyway?”

I took a deep breath and said something along these lines: “I’m still learning, but here’s what I know. After the Emancipation Proclamation was declared in 1863, it wasn’t enforced in Confederate states until 1865. On June 19, 1865, a U.S. general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people that they were legally free—two years after the proclamation. That’s what Juneteenth celebrates.”

I pushed a little further. “Independence Day might mean something different if your freedom didn’t come on July 4, 1776. And if any of us is enslaved, are we free?”

In the United States, Juneteenth is not just a day for Black Americans to celebrate—it’s a reminder for everyone that true freedom is something we should strive for together. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “You . . . were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” I pray for the humility to keep learning and listening. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the journey toward justice and equality and, as followers of Jesus Christ, to remember that we are called to use our freedom to serve one another.

Lord, grant us the gift of true freedom in Christ. May we serve others with open hearts, walking humbly in your love and grace. Amen.