This post is Day 13 in a series of studies about “Followers of Jesus”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Followers of Jesus – Day 13

In Luke 10:29 we read of someone asking Jesus for a definition of what is meant by a neighbour. The response of Jesus gives us the story of The Good Samaritan. This in turn ties in with the last phrase in our verse for today: serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

The Thought

We continue the theme of freedom for followers of Jesus for one more day.

As I am thinking about this verse today I am struck by the thought that we have the freedom to love and serve each other whatever our life situation. That is one of the privileges and characteristics of a disciple of Jesus. Sometimes that means helping others, sometimes it means accepting the help of others, and blessing them for their obedience.

The next verse in Galatians reminds us of the second great commandment mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31: “The entire law is fulfilled in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Galatians 5:14).

In Luke 10:29 we read of someone asking Jesus for a definition of what is meant by a neighbour. Jesus’s response gives us the story of The Good Samaritan. This in turn ties in with the last phrase in our verse for today “serve one another in love”.

As I write all that I am reminded of an occasion many years ago when a couple came to stay with us asking for help with their marriage. The wife was a believer, the husband not. In one of my conversations with the wife, who was planning on leaving the family home, she said “Jesus doesn’t want me to be unhappy”. True, but that is not written in a Bible verse, rather we are told how to find happiness and satisfaction: “by serving one another in love.” (The couple are still together. Praise God!)

Action

Pray today for the ability to love and serve those you find difficult.

Read more of the 5 chapters of Galatians and ask yourself if some of Paul’s harsh words apply to you. Pray for forgiveness and take time to receive peace as you plan to move forward with Jesus.