In Galatians 5:1-6, Paul writes about the freedom found in Christ. He declares that Christ has set us free, urging us not to be burdened again by a "yoke of slavery." He refers to the Old Testament law, particularly the practice of circumcision, as something that has become irrelevant in light of Christ's work on the cross. Paul emphasizes that in Christ, external rituals like circumcision have no value. What matters is "faith expressing itself through love." Here, Paul stresses that genuine faith goes beyond external religious practices. It calls for a transformation of the heart, where love becomes the manifestation of faith.
This passage calls us to embrace the freedom that Christ has won for us, reminding us not to fall back into legalism or the belief that we can earn God's favor through rituals or rules. True freedom in Christ doesn't lead to lawlessness but to a deeper love and a life shaped by faith. Faith and love are inseparable in the Christian walk; love becomes the natural expression of our faith when we trust in God's grace and respond to it.
In Luke 11:37-41, we see a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees over ritual cleanliness. A Pharisee is surprised that Jesus doesn’t perform the ceremonial washing before eating. In response, Jesus rebukes him, pointing out that they clean the outside but neglect the inner corruption within. Jesus emphasizes that God is concerned more with the condition of the heart than external appearances. He challenges them, saying, "Give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you." This teaching cuts to the core of the Pharisees' obsession with outward purity while neglecting justice and love.
In both passages, there’s a common theme: religion that focuses solely on external observances misses the heart of God’s will. Paul and Jesus both highlight that what truly matters is an internal transformation—faith, love, and mercy. Rituals and external practices are not inherently wrong, but they become meaningless if they do not flow from a heart shaped by love, faith, and compassion for others.
As we reflect on these passages, we are invited to examine our own lives. Are we focusing too much on outward religious acts, thinking that they make us righteous, or are we allowing Christ to transform us from within? Are our faith and love driving us to care for others, to act justly, and to live out the freedom Christ offers? True faith, as Paul and Jesus teach, is not about performing rituals to earn favor but about living a life of love and justice, born out of a heart transformed by God.