Walking the Hard Road of Freedom
A short reflection on Galatians 5:1, 13–25 and Luke 9:51–62
What does it mean to be truly free? Paul tells us that Christ sets us free – not to please ourselves, but to love boldly, walk humbly, and live by the Spirit. It's not about rigid rules or wild self-indulgence. It's about becoming the kind of people who bear good fruit – people shaped by love, joy, peace, and self-control.
Jesus, meanwhile, is on the road to Jerusalem. He knows what’s coming – rejection, suffering, and the cross. Still, he sets his face forward. He teaches us that following him is not always easy or popular. It takes sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to keep walking even when the path is steep and the crowd is thin.
The Spirit offers us a new way to live – not driven by fear or selfish desire, but led by grace. The fruits of the Spirit are not achievements to tick off, but signs that we are learning to love well, stay grounded, and trust God more deeply.
We are not perfect. We stumble. But the invitation remains: to walk this road with Jesus, to love our neighbours as ourselves, and to let our lives become a sign of God’s transforming grace.
Freedom in Christ is not about doing whatever we like – it’s about living in love and service.
Following Jesus means hard choices, but it leads to lasting fruit and deep joy.
Ngā mihi
Philip
29 June 2025
p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-2-22-june-2025