Words explain the heart of God, who is Spirit; He is telling us His thoughts and showing us His ways, when we care to listen and obey. Our freedom is from sin, when Jesus sets us free. Free to walk in the Spirit, no longer subject to the deeds of the flesh.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.” (Galatians 5:13-15 NASB)
“You shall!” There is truly no option here. Live by the golden rule. When we are not, we are acting like beasts. Treating “whoever” the way we want to be treated is walking in the Spirit. That is freedom from sin. Easy to see and understand. Just in case it’s still not clear apostle Paul spells out the good and the baD. Those who are led by the Spirit, and those who will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:16-25 NASB)
One rule to live by satisfies God’s Law while revealing His thoughts and ways. There is a kingdom waiting for those who love and follow God’s Spirit. Praise God! He is still calling the living to repent and believe His gospel of grace.
His Family Table 