Freely Loved, Gladly Limitless in Love
A quiet hand on the volume slider, a picture of freedom guided by love in Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth, A.B Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Freedom in Jesus is real. Paul says everything is permissible, yet not everything builds up. Today’s reading helps me remember that the victorious life is not about proving how free I am. It is about loving people well. If something trips a tender conscience, love is happy to set the freedom down for their sake.
A. B. Simpson’s balance is refreshing. He does not make a new rulebook. He invites us to let the Holy Spirit apply the gospel in the middle of normal life. Some activities may be fine in themselves, yet unhelpful for the friend beside me. Love sees the person, not just the option.
This is where the life of abiding in Jesus shines. The Spirit within does not shrink our world into fear or pride. He frees us from harsh self denial that looks wise but lacks value. He also steers us away from careless choices. He leads us into a simple posture. Enjoy God’s good gifts with gratitude. Refuse anything that wounds a brother or a sister.
So the question shifts from can I, to will this build up. In that shift, the heart rests. I am not trying to manage appearances. I am walking with the Lord, thankful and responsive, eager for my freedom to become a bridge for grace.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I lead you into wisdom that builds up. All things may be permissible, yet not all things are helpful. You were called to freedom, only do not use your freedom for self, but through love serve one another. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
I remind you who you are. You have been crucified with Christ, and you live by faith in the Son of God. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God. Abide in Jesus and you will bear much fruit. The love of the Messiah controls you. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
I guide your steps in community. Welcome the one who is weak in faith without quarrel. Do not put a stumbling block in the way of a brother or a sister. Use your freedom as servants of God. Let your gentleness be known to all. Encourage one another and build one another up. Stir up one another to love and good works. In this way all will know you are disciples of Jesus, if you have love for one another.
Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 10:23, 1 Corinthians 10:24, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Galatians 5:13, Romans 14:1 to 3, Romans 14:13 to 19, 1 Peter 2:16 to 17, Philippians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24, John 13:34 to 35, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11, John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Colossians 3:12 to 14.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about the volume slider on your phone. You can turn the music up, yet in a quiet coffee shop you slide it down so others can talk. Love works like that. The Holy Spirit, living in you, helps you notice the room, then gently leads you to turn certain freedoms down for the good of someone near you. Not from fear, but from care.
Try this today. If you are choosing a show with friends and one person hesitates, let the Spirit of Jesus lead you to pick something that keeps their conscience clear. Whisper, Lord, I trust You to set the volume of my freedoms for the sake of love as You live through me.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for real freedom in Your Son. Thank You that the Spirit teaches me to build up rather than to insist on my own way. I receive this day as a place to enjoy Your gifts with gratitude, and to gladly lay down any liberty that would wound a brother or a sister. Lord, I trust You to express Your love through my choices, my tone, and my time.