It Starts Small

¹³ For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Galatians 5:13-15

For you were called to be free

Many people gaze at the Bible and exclaim, “There are too many rules! I yearn for the freedom to live life on my own terms!” But let’s be clear: Satan seduces with the false promise of freedom. He entices individuals to indulge in whatever pleases them. He tempts them with an illusion of a life unshackled by restrictions. Meanwhile, he dares to accuse God of burdening us with rules, of snatching away our liberties.

But let’s ponder this: who truly bestows genuine freedom? And what does true freedom even mean?

When people choose to walk the path of Satan, what they ultimately find is not freedom, but a shackling slavery. An alcoholic knows this truth all too well. He is powerless against the lure of the bottle. He is a captive to his own yearnings. A drug addict, too, finds no liberty; his life is stripped of abundance and joy, leaving him shackled in despair. A sex addict may chase the illusion of “freedom” in fleeting encounters. He may also seek it in the murky depths of pornography. Yet, he is ensnared by the chains of lust. He is weighed down by guilt and shame that gnaw at any flicker of happiness. Such is the insidious nature of sin. Satan lures with grand promises. However, in the end, he can only deliver chains. He enslaves all who succumb to his deceit. With each transgression, the bonds grow tighter, heavier, binding the soul even further into darkness.

The Pilgrim’s Progress illustrates this concept with the ever heavier burden on Christian before he comes to the cross. IF you have not read (or listened) the Pilgrim’s Progress, I suggest you to take that time. It is spotify to listen to.

On the other hand, God emphatically does not promise that His followers have the liberty to act on every whim. This is not the essence of true freedom!

⁴ I led them with human cords,
with ropes of love.
To them I was like one
who eases the yoke from their jaws;
I bent down to give them food.

Hosea 11:4

This is the divine voice of God, expressing His profound relationship with Israel. He passionately guides His people, imparting commands that resonate deeply within their hearts. While He upholds a standard, it is not through burdensome chains that they are constrained. Instead, God envelops them in cords of kindness and bands of love, showcasing His boundless compassion. With unmatched tenderness, He steers them forward. He ensures that the yoke He offers is comfortable. This reflects His unwavering commitment to their well-being.

²⁸ “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

God never promises us the freedom to do whatever we desire. Instead, He graciously sets boundaries that serve our ultimate good. These divine limits are not restrictions; they are gifts designed to amplify our joy and fulfillment! When we embrace the boundaries He provides, we unlock the door to an abundant life brimming with purpose and happiness. Let us wholeheartedly commit to following His guidance for a truly enriched existence!

Sin is a thief of true happiness! Consider Adam and Eve—after they sinned, they were filled with shame and hid from the presence of God. Some choose to follow Satan’s seductive lure of promiscuity. They may find fleeting moments of pleasure. However, their hearts remain aching and empty of genuine joy.

¹⁰ A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

John 10:10

Conversely, those who embrace God’s divine boundaries will cherish the sanctity of the marriage bed. They will revel in an intimate bond with their spouse. They will experience a life overflowing with abundant joy and fulfillment.

God does not give us freedom to sin. He gives us freedom from sin.

don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh

We should not take for granted the grace of God!

6 What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? ² Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 6:1-2

We are not bound by the Old Testament law! Instead, we are enveloped in the profound era of grace. God’s grace not only covers our sins but ignites within us a fierce desire to live righteously. Believers who are truly born again are filled with an overwhelming yearning to pursue holiness. The Holy Spirit has transformed our hearts, instilling in us a passionate aversion to sin!

Love your neighbor as yourself

This is the heart and soul of the Old Testament law! Consider the profound wisdom of the Ten Commandments. The first four ignite our love for God. The next six pulse with the importance of loving our fellow humans.

• Honor your father and mother – When you truly love them, honoring them flows from your heart. You set healthy boundaries.
• You shall not murder . Love binds us, and if you hold love for someone, the thought of harming them is unthinkable.
• You shall not commit adultery. Love for your spouse is a sacred bond. You would never betray it by straying. Genuine compassion for another means not leading them astray into sin.
• You shall not steal – How could you ever take from someone you cherish? Love inspires generosity, not theft. Stealing is not just theft of physical items. When you lie to others, you are stealing the truth from them.
• You shall not bear false witness. Lying to someone is a betrayal of love; sincerity is the cornerstone of genuine relationships. When you lie, you deny the other person the truth.
• You shall not covet. In love, you revel in the joy of others’ successes, your heart swelling with happiness instead of envy.

In the Old Testament, we encounter a tapestry of commands that may, at first glance, feel strange or outdated. Yet, amidst these ancient directives lies a profound truth!

⁴ “If you come across your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.

⁵ “If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, and you want to refrain from helping it, you must help with it.

Exodus 23:4-5

Consider this remarkable command: God urges His people to save their enemy’s ox from the pit. They must also return it to them. Though it’s rare to see an ox in a pit today, the underlying message resonates powerfully—it’s all about love! When we genuinely care for others, we instinctively go out of our way to assist them. Picture this: you find a smartphone lying forgotten in the park. Instead of ignoring it, returning it to its rightful owner echoes the enduring principle of love in action!

Every single day brims with incredible opportunities to “love your neighbor” in profound ways. Our neighbors include more than just those living next door. They encompass every soul we encounter in our journey. Jesus passionately illustrated this truth in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). He revealed that our neighbors are all those who desperately need our compassion and support.

What is one specific way you can show love to a non-family member?

---

Cross Reference:

• Hosea 11:4
• Matthew 11:28-30
• John 10:10
• 2 Corinthians 3:17
• 1 Peter 2:16
• John 8:32
• Romans 6:1-2
• Luke 10:25-37

Questions to Ponder:

• If an unbeliever asks you, “What does it mean that you have freedom after salvation,” how would you answer?
• How might some professing believers abuse this freedom?
• How does Paul teach us we should use our freedom?
• What are some examples of Biblical commands that relate to love?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.