Freedom to Love

 

July 4^th, the day that those who fought for the beginning of our country declared us the United States of America.  Since then, we are viewed as a country where many freedoms that are not seen in other countries are realized here.  Recently, we held our annual Citizenship Celebration at work.  Every year, around the 4^th of July, we celebrate those associates who received their citizenship that year.  It is one of my favorite days at work.  These associates, who worked hard to receive their citizenship to this country, shared their stories on their home countries and WHY they wanted to become a citizen.

One shared that he had lived here for about 20 years and realized all the freedoms that were here that were not available in his homeland of India

Another shared that his home country of the Congo in Africa did not offer the freedoms that were here in the US.

·        Others shared that they wanted a better life for their families and wanted to be able to work hard and gain success.

As I listened to these stories, I realized for many of us, the freedoms of this country came to us easy – we were born into them.  We did not have to study for hard tests or be interviewed.  We are citizens and have all the freedoms that this country offers.  We can use our freedoms in many ways and should never take them for granted.

I love this verse in Galatians.  The freedom that Paul is talking about in this verse is our freedom from sin.  Although we have been freed from sin by our Savior Jesus, this does not mean that we can go about doing whatever we please, especially to indulge ourselves.  Paul states we should use this freedom to serve others, humbly, in love.  The freedom to love and serve others is one that we also can use in many ways and should never take for granted.  The Christian love we get to share came at a high cost, the blood of our Jesus.  On July 4^th, and every day, may we remember the freedom of the United States along with the freedom of our sins.  May we daily be grateful for our citizenship in the US and our citizenship with Christ.  Let us love each other and serve each other with pride.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for our freedom from sin.  Because you took the long walk to Calvary, I am able to stand tall in freedom.  Help me, Jesus, to use that freedom for the benefit of others.  May I humbly serve and love others in your name.  Amen!