freedom to love

John 11, Galatians 5

According to my schedule, I was supposed to read John 10, but I goofed.  But here are a couple of observations anyway:

• Jesus didn't say that Lazarus wasn't going to die; He said the situation wasn't going to end in death.  We have to be patient to see the Lord fulfill His promises, and generally, the magnitude of future glory is proportional to the intensity of temporary suffering.
• Man, I wish I had the heart of Thomas.  "OK guys, let's go die with Him."  I expect that's the level of loyalty you see on the battlefield.  Oh, wait; we are on a battlefield.
  

The concept that stuck out from Galatians 5 was love:

^{G 5:6} For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. ... ¹³ For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. ¹⁴ For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ...  ²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Love is the quintessential communication of God.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving the world and giving your one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not die but experience your love.  Lord, please use me to express your love to my wife, son, family, and friends.  Holy Spirit, I want to keep in step with you today - to hear your voice and obey.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.