Law or no law? (Galatians 5) 070507
When we read Galatians 5, we like to quote verse 22 and 23, and focus on the fruit of the Spirit. There is nothing wrong about that, but even in Gal 5:22,23; the last part says that ‘against such things there is no law.’ (v23)
After reading this chapter a few rounds, I discover that this chapter is talking about the Law. Paul was arguing about how the Christians should live, is the Law still relevant to Christians? I think this is also the question we, as modern day Christians ask. Law or no law? How should we treat the Law?
I am still in the midst of researching and writing a paper on Relevance of OT Law to Christians according to Romans. I still do not have any conclusive answer yet, but my gut understanding is that the Law is still relevance, depending how we interpret and recontextualize the Law.
We are told that the Law is fulfilled in the ‘love’ commandment (v14) and against the fruit of the Spirit which basically a guide to love (v22), there is no law (v23). Hence, love, spirit and law have to co-exist.
If we live by the spirit, we are not bound by the law. But if we do not have the law, there is no law to be fulfilled and hence no love. If there is no love, we are not having the fruit of the Spirit and hence, not living in the spirit. Therefore, spirit led life, is a life of love, and it is a life which is a fulfillment of the Law.
Sound complicated? Yes, I also not very sure how these things work, but I am sure that we need to understand love, spirit and law are all important to our Christian living.
How are you living? Do you have the love that is according to the Law and empowered by the Holy Spirit? When you read your Bible, are you led by the spirit to show love to a fellow brother or sister in Christ? It can be as simple as a prayer. It can be simply pick up your phone and call someone to share a word of encouragement, or just send short messages. How about inviting someone out for lunch or dinner (include buying them a meal)? I think it will be nice if everyone just do something nice to one another and not be like the Galatians (v15, 26). Then this hectic and challenging world will be a better place to live in.
