Space for others – Galatians 5: 13-18

‘For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.  For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.’

“I am come,” said Jesus, “that you may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10: 10). 

As I see it full life demands space, mental as well as physical, and we are all quick to create the space we need for ourselves aren’t we?  But what about other people’s need of space?  As we find the space to put our feet down, do we trespass on that of our neighbours?  Do our relationships create space for them?

There are some who always think they know best what people need but are really meeting their own needs by pushing people around for what they say is ‘for their own good!’  To me this isn’t helping the person concerned to develop their own ideas and space in which to apply them. 

It is a particular danger for us as Christians as we share our experience of God’s love in Jesus Christ, to actually impose this on people, this blessing we have so richly found.  You can’t impose freedom!

The fullness and blessings of life that Jesus offers is offered with the right to refuse it.  That is part of his loving concern for personality and part of this creating of space for others.

Yes it’s hard to watch people turn their backs on Jesus (and even more so for him!), but if the Lord allows people the space they need, then it should be good enough for us.  It’s important in all our relationships that we allow people the freedom to have a personality of their own which is not imposed by obligation or dominion.

Jesus said, “I am come, that you may have life, and have it to the full.”

Prayer

 Lord, with your graciousness you lead me out into the wide open spaces of your freedom, and I find that I can stretch, and walk, and run in your great plains of liberty, kicking my heels in joy, all restraints gone, except the welcome yolk of your love.  And…. I can grow.  Amen.

Penny Bonham