Wednesday, 14^th October 2026

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: FREEDOM WITHOUT FENCES

THEME SCRIPTURE: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." —Galatians 5:1

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Whose standards do you measure your faith by: Christ's, or your own?

Between national statutes, community bylaws, school codes and church traditions, modern life can feel like a maze of rules. It is a wonder that with all the many rules and laws around us, we don't need permission or a bylaw to breathe.

The first Christians faced a version of this. They were Jews who lived under the Mosaic law and its many customs. When Gentiles joined the church, a hard question followed: must these new believers keep all of it too?

Paul, Peter, James and the other leaders met, prayed and reached a verdict (Acts 15:1-29). Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by observing the law. Gentile believers did not need circumcision or the Mosaic code to be saved. They were not left lawless, but they were not burdened with what Christ had already fulfilled.

We repeat the old mistake in new forms. We add conditions to the simple call to believe: a certain style of worship, a certain dress code, a certain way of speaking. The more a believer resembles us, the more comfortable we feel about their faith. Yet we must ask honestly: do we mean "looks like Christ," or just "looks like me"?

Christ did not leave us with a thousand regulations. He gave two commands: love God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself. These are enough to keep, and for most of us, enough to stretch us for a lifetime.

Key Takeaway

Salvation is by faith in Christ alone. Do not turn personal preferences into requirements for other believers.

Beloved, rules have their place in society, but they cannot save, and they cannot produce love. Today, hold your convictions humbly and give others the same freedom Christ gave you. Measure your faith, and that of other believers, by love—the love of God.

God bless you more.

FURTHER READING

- Acts 15:1-29

- Galatians 5:1-6

- Ephesians 2:8-9

- Matthew 22:37-40

- Romans 14:1-4

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. What unwritten rules have I added to what faith in Christ requires?

2. Whom have I judged for not looking or acting like me?

3. How can I practise love for God and neighbour in one concrete way today?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me by grace through faith, not by my efforts. Forgive me for the burdens I place on others. Free me from judging by appearances. Teach me to love You wholeheartedly and my neighbour sincerely. Help me to welcome those who differ from me, and to look more like You each day. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

 

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

1 Kings 1; Jeremiah 28; Mark 2