Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:23-29)
Prisoners here in Texas jails are usually dressed in bright orange. And this has nothing to do with a certain football team with the same name used in sentence one. It is to identify those who are in captivity, and should they escape, they can be easily spotted. Some states still use the black and white stripes, and some even still use the ball and chain. Symbols of imprisonment. Paul knew what it was to be enslaved to the law. He had been a Pharisee and so he studied and knew the law. Paul credits the law with helping him identify sin. But when he met Christ, he found himself free from the law and living in grace. Faith was and is more important. The love of God made Paul, you, and me children of God through faith. Through baptism we were clothed, or dressed, in Christ. Our clothing in Christ Jesus should give us away as those who are free. And we should also be abel to identify all believers as being one with us. Paul explains it as no longer should we distinguish between Jews and Greeks, nor slaves nor free, no longer should it matter the difference between males and females; for we are all now one in Christ Jesus, children of Abraham, and heirs to the promises of God.
So, as you make decisions and enter into conversations, what will you wear? The garb of captivity to sin? Or the robes of love, compassion, and grace? People can tell. So can God.
PRAYER: Loving God, make me one with Christ Jesus, and clothe me in His splendor. Let me interact with others with love, compassion, and grace. May other comes to see Jesus in me in an inviting way. This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
