Scripture
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:8 & 22

Observation
The law, as Paul uses it, is not so much what the Lord expects of us, as it is the words that controlling people put into the mouth of God so that they can control our lives through him. The law is full of peer pressure and scowling expectations to live up to someone else’s standard. This is why the law is so comforting. It tells us exactly what to do to earn acceptance by others. Follow it, and there is entrance; ignore it and there is rejection.

The law is very difficult to escape because it is the ticket to acceptance. To step out of a legalistic life and into freedom is far more than not obeying manmade rules. The only way out of the law and all of the expectations of others is to submit to something and Someone more powerful. If we are going to be rejected by others for walking in a new way, it had better be toward a greater love.

Life by the Spirit takes us beyond group think, right past frowns, scowls, wagging tongues and side glances. The Holy Spirit lifts us to a higher level of living that begins with God’s favor. We don’t have to earn it, we have it. Because we know it, we can live it. In the face of judgement and condemnation we can find and show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and all of the rest.

Application
Life by the Spirit is not God handing us a book and telling us to live by it; it is the Holy Spirit himself living with us and through us. We are no longer alone. We are loved. We are accepted. There is no need to perform. What more can we gain? We are free to love those who expect other things of us.

Prayer
Father, help me to live and walk in the fullness of freedom. Amen.