The Apostle Paul started new churches in Galatia (modern day Turkey), but they had fallen into disagreement and struggle. False teachers came to the churches and began convincing them they still had to follow certain rules and laws in order for God to accept them. Paul’s letter resisted the false teachers. He urged his readers to claim their freedom in Christ, but to use that freedom to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

• In verse 13 Paul bluntly stated a truth that can be painful to admit. We all have selfish impulses, especially when given the ability to choose freely. He pointed his readers to the one who can give us the ability to live out the Golden Rule: the Holy Spirit. Paul said, "Be guided by the Spirit and you won't carry out your selfish desires" (verse 16). In what areas of your life do you want to invite the Spirit to empower you to deny your selfish desires and love your neighbor as yourself more fully?
• Macmillandictionary.com defined “freedom” as “the right to do what you want, make your own decisions, and express your own opinions.” The apostle Paul, shaped by Jesus’ servant model of greatness, defined it differently. “God has called you to a free life,” he wrote. “But use your freedom to serve one another in love. That’s how freedom grows” (The Message). In what ways have you found it freeing to let the Spirit guide you into loving and serving others, rather than having to follow all your impulses?