Why we misunderstand freedom
Last Saturday I officiated the wedding of a young couple, Ace Subido and Elain Ojeda. Both were raised in loving Christian homes and spent many years in children's church. Ace is the son of my friend Chai who lived in Japan when his father was the consul there. Chai's business provides Japanese multi-national companies with translators. Elain is the daughter of Army General Nic Ojeda.
From the time the ceremony started to the end of the evening the wedding was marked with a spattering of laughter and a sense of joy. It began when the General escorted his daughter and before I (the officiating minister) or anyone could speak, he shouted at Ace saying, "What are you waiting for, come and get her?" Laughter ensued.
There was so much freedom and love in the room I was reminded of the verses in Galatians that explain the freedom and love connection.
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13
The Gothic roots of the word freedom is "freis" which means to be dearly loved. When one enjoys a measure of freedom it's because it has been granted by someone who loves him or her. We have the freedom to enjoy life because God has set us free. Freedom is always rooted in love. And love always manifests in freedom. Here are three thoughts on love and freedom:
1. Freedom has boundaries. Lest you take this out of context this freedom is not about living freely at the expense of the other rather it is expressed in serving each other in humble love as the verse says. Freedom is vast and wide within the boundaries of God's word. Any type of freedom that is not rooted in love will end up in slavery.
2. Our misunderstanding of love and freedom is a trust issue. Our lack of understanding of God's love is why we often break away from His boundary lines - lines that as the Bible says have been set in pleasant places. We fail to realize that God's garden is immeasurable. We mistakenly mistrust him for what seems to be freedom only to end up disappointed again and again. Freedom is rooted in love and both are experienced as we trust God.
As the verse in Galatians 5:6 says: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." When we trust God or put our faith in Him we experience His love that we can freely give to others.
3. To be free means to walk in the Spirit. The spiritual life is not a speed run but a walk. It's a journey. A relationship. The more we walk in step with God the greater measure of love and freedom we experience. Our lives are motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness, peace and joy. The result is real freedom safe within the boundaries of God's Kingdom.
As Marie and I walked to our car in the cobbled streets of Intramuros, the cool breeze reminded me of the freedom I have enjoyed over the last 29 years of walking with God. Thanks Lord, to You be praise and glory always!
PS: Anson Yu, thank you for the photo of Ace and Elain.
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