Freed to be a Slave!

 My small group is currently going through the book of Galatians, and it has been a pretty tremendous blessing to me, especially as someone who spent several years in a slightly legalistic church. We discussed the first half of chapter 5 this week, and the simplicity of the marvelous conundrum of us being freed from the bondage of sin so that we are free to become servants (literally slaves) to others (and ultimately Christ) has been so beautiful and inspiring to me. The entire section is incredible, especially the emphasis on the danger of relying on works of the law (works-based salvation) versus resting in God's saving grace by the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:1-6), but what I want to focus a bit more on is the following:

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:13-14 (English Standard).

As born-again believers by the saving grace of Jesus and His transforming Spirit in our hearts, we are no longer in bondage under sin! There is no condemnation for us (see, e.g. Romans 8)! This isn't to say we are now perfect people; on the contrary, we still fall into patterns of sin (self focus; pride; anger; laziness; you name it, really). We are no longer bound or defined by these failings, though! They have no grip on us! The funny thing about this new freedom is that the Holy Spirit has not only freed us from the bondage of sin, but has actually filled us with a new heart, a heart that desires to use its freedom to be a slave to Christ and His people! 

Personally, I can be quite self-centered as opposed to Christ- or other-centered, but reading these words and being reminded that I am actually not bound to myself has been a liberating reminder! I pray for the grace to use my freedom to truly put off my reoccurring sins which cling so tightly (see, e.g. Hebrews 12:1-2), rest in Christ's grace, be filled with the Spirit, and love and serve others!

Sisters on the beach earlier this month 

Hold fast to Jesus!

Sonia

Treasuring the Auntie Life

Being an auntie is seriously one of life's biggest earthly blessings. Living with two of my two nephews and four nieces and watching them grow up multiplies this blessing by about eight. <3 Kiddos grow up so quickly (and I'm not even a mom, and can't imagine how much quicker they grow then!), and I don't want to ever, ever look back and regret not giving them hugs and saying "I love you" at every opportunity. There isn't much to this post except an encouragement to treasure every day. And to share a few pictures from a quick, unplanned photo "session" my sister did of Ems and I when Ems was feeling snuggly and looking especially darling.