Week 3: The Cost of Freedom
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportuni-ty for the flesh, but through love serve one another... You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:13–15
When someone wounds you or takes something from you, the gut-level response is revenge. Make them pay. Get justice. Prove they can’t walk over you. It feels right in the moment, but Jesus calls us to some-thing far more radical—and far more freeing. Revenge feels like control. But it’s a trap. When we hold on to bitterness, we think we’re locking our offender in a prison, but we’re actually locking ourselves inside. That’s bondage. And the key that opens the door? Love.
Not the easy, “love people who are nice to me” kind. The sacrificial, self-denying, cross-carrying kind. The love Jesus showed on the cross—the kind that forgives before it’s asked for. That’s the kind of love that breaks chains.When you choose to love radically, you set two people free—them, and you. Jesus put it this way: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Following Him means letting go of your right to revenge so you can grab hold of the freedom only He gives.
So look around your life—Who needs to see that kind of love from you? And what might happen if you gave it?
Reflect
Who has God placed around you to love?
What would it look like to love in a radical, Jesus-like way?
What’s one selfish area you need to surrender?
Where have you seen God’s love, grace, and power set you free?
5:01 Freedom Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You’ve freed me to love. I choose purpose over comfort. Today I surrender _______________________ to You.
I release the bondage that’s been holding me hostage and keeping me from loving well. Help me forgive __________________ the way You’ve forgiven me—fully and freely—so I can walk in freedom.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
