Devotional:Evidence of Love:Galatians 5:16-25

Darlene and Charles had been dating for a few months. Darlene was thinking that Charles and she could have a good marriage. However, Darlene was not sure if Charles felt the same way that she did. So, one night Darlene asked Charles, “Do you love me?” The answer that Charles gave was a far cry from what Darlene wanted to hear. Darlene wanted to hear a simple “yes’ of “no” answer. Instead, Charles described the things that he saw in Darlene. He talked about the things that they could accomplish together. Darlene liked what Charles said, but she did not feel that he had answered the question.

Darlene called her friend Larry. She told him about the conversation that Charles and she had. She expressed her dissatisfaction that Charles had talked about a lot of things, but he never answered the question, “Do you love me.” Larry laughed. He said to Darlene, “he answered the question even though he did not use the words that you used.” Larry explained to Darlene that Charles had stated evidence of his love for her. He was not talking about emotions and feelings only. Rather, he was talking about the things that he believed were necessary if their love was to lead to a lasting relationship in marriage. Darlene and Charles were married and they lived a happy life together for twenty years; until Darlene lost her battle with cancer.

In our text today the apostle Paul was addressing the conflict between those who held to the Law and the rite of circumcision as necessary for a relationship with God. Circumcision was necessary for salvation because it was commanded in the law. Paul argued that circumcision was not necessary, and it had been eliminated of the death of Jesus. Those that accept Jesus as their savior so not live by the flesh. They live by the Spirit. Paul described the life of those that live according to the flesh (Galatians 4:19-22). Thus, circumcision was of no value to how they lived.

On the other hand, those that live by the Spirit live according to the law of love, that is to love God and love neighbor (See Matthew 22:37-40). The evidence of love is seen in how one lives in their relationship to God and other people. Instead of living in conflict with others because of the need to satisfy oneself, those that live according to the Spirit live to meet the needs of their brothers and sisters. Those that live by the law of love that comes from the Spirit seek to bring harmony and peace with other people.

Prayer: Lord, we want to live by the Spirit and the law of love. Amen.