As I was thinking about the early fathers and mothers in America who sacrificed so much for us to have the freedom we enjoy, this thought struck me: Although we often think of freedom as synonomous with independence (which is one aspect of freedom) those who fought to gain our freedom were quite interdependent. They desperately needed each other and had to work together closely to make it through the extreme hardships they faced. Those who isolated themselves didn't fare well.
As followers of Jesus, we've been given a freedom beyond our wildest dreams. Yet, the way to live out that freedom is not in isolation, but in community, connection, and interdependence. We need each other! God planned that way.
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?" (Galatians 5:13-15, The Message Bible)
I'm so glad this is God's plan--for us to need each other and learn how to love well. I'm also glad that so many of you have chosen to go there with us. We need you!
Happy Independence Day and Interdependence Day! Use your freedom to love well!
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