Galatians 5:7-15

'You were running well—who stopped you from obeying the truth? This line of reasoning doesn’t come from the one who calls you. I’m convinced about you in the Lord that you won’t think any other way. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever that may be. Brothers and sisters, if I’m still preaching circumcision, why am I still being harassed? In that case, the offense of the cross would be canceled. I wish that the ones who are upsetting you would castrate themselves! You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: “ Love your neighbor as yourself ”. But if you bite and devour each other, be careful that you don’t get eaten up by each other!'  Galatians 5:7-8,10-15 https://my.bible.com/bible/37/GAL.5.7-8,10-15

How I read this is as a calling back to our true nature. To be reminded that we are already free, we don't have to prove ourselves first and then be free.  That freedom has already been gifted to us. As is, right now.

That freedom is not freedom to do as we please though.  That is what we have been doing and trying to justify.  That doesn't really get us to where we want to be or helps us become the person we dream of being one day.

Instead, we are free to serve. Free to love. Free to give our all to one another.

We are meant to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and if we are going to give our all to our neighbors we have to give our all to ourselves first. We have to first see and believe the freedom that we have already been granted. We have to accept the unconditional love that is shining down on us and through us always.

When we start to attack our neighbors we have to watch out in fear of being attacked back.

Looking over our shoulders or living in constant fear holds us back from giving our fullest self or at our highest ability.