Key Verse: Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”.

Freedom and unfreedom ultimately betray themselves by their fruit. If, in the name of freedom, we “indulge the sinful nature” (5:13), the product will eventually manifest itself: “sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealously, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissections, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (5:19-21). On the other hand, if we “love our neighbours as ourselves” (5:14), we’ll see, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (5:22,23).

The “law” will condemn us for “indulging the sinful nature”, but there is no law that can condemn us as we “love our neighbour”. Freedom means no laws. The only context where no laws apply is that in which we seek the highest good for God, neighbour, and self — this is love.

Loving is hard work. It has very little to do with how we feel. It has everything to do with what we choose. Love, on the bottom line, is a decision. That’s why Jesus said we’re to “love our enemies”. This is not an impossible demand. It would be impossible if He said we’re to “like” our enemies. “Like is a feeling; love is a choice.

So choosing to do what’s right and good, day in and day out, can be exhausting. Or we see so few results from our good choices that we “lose heart”.

Paul says, “Be patient. Don’t lose heart.” There’s coming a day when “we shall reap”. If not here, in space and time, we’ll reap there — in the kingdom of Heaven. God is no man’s debtor.

Keep at it!