The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Galatians 5:13-17, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”

It is difficult –dare I say, impossible?—to hear or read a newscast without reading of a conflict? From the earliest days in the Garden of Eden, there has been conflict –conflict that has since raged throughout the whole of the human race.

The Christians of Galatia were in conflict, requiring the Apostle Paul to remind them that they were “called to freedom” and were “not to turn (their) freedom into an opportunity for the flesh.” They were to “serve one another.” In fact, they were to go further and “love (their) neighbor(s) as (themselves).”

Yet, how does that work? How are we to love those who don’t love us in return? It’s simple. Paul says, “…walk by the Spirit” and you will not end up being fleshly or selfish. Admittedly, that’s not easy to do.

Let’s say your neighbor’s house and lawns are never kept up, making where you live far less attractive. You don’t confront your neighbor; you don’t report him to the city authorities. You kindly offer to assist him in doing what needs to be done. You may not know the real reason he is not more active than he is.

The Bible is a book about change –your change and mine! When we are committed to the LORD Jesus Christ, and seek to obey His Word, the Holy Spirit will cause us to be a peace with our neighbors. If they notice the change in you– and if they comment on it, you will have opportunity to tell them about Jesus.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom