Freedom, Cobbler and the Love of Neighbor

Independence Day is almost here, which means many of us are preparing for some combination of family gatherings, cookouts, parades, fireworks, swimming pools, watermelon, homemade ice cream, and the annual reminder that some people will try to reenact the final battle scene of a Marvel movie.

I love the 4th of July.

I love the laughter around tables, the kids running through yards, the smell of food on the grill, and the chance to pause and give thanks for the freedoms we too often take for granted.

As followers of Jesus, we are also invited to think deeply about freedom. In Galatians, Paul writes, “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.” (Gal 5:13)

Those are powerful words not just for the early church but for us. In Christ, freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever we want. Freedom is the grace to become who God created us to be.

Free from sin. Free from shame. Free from fear. Free from the lie that our lives are only about ourselves.

Because of Jesus, freedom becomes something we steward for the sake of others.

We are set free so that we can: 

Love, forgive, welcome, listen, and serve our neighbors. 

We are set free to seek the good of our community, especially for those whose freedom, dignity, or hope feels fragile.

That is part of what it means to be a different kind of people.

This summer, as we walk through our sermon series, A Different Kind of People, we are asking how Jesus is forming us to live differently in the world. And maybe one way Jesus forms us is by reminding us that freedom is never meant to stop with us.

Freedom in Christ sends us toward one another.

That is also why I am looking forward to worship this Sunday, July 5, and our Cobbler and Ice Cream Social after worship.

Will a cobbler solve every problem in the world?

Probably not.

But I am not ruling anything out too quickly. Because when we gather around tables, share something sweet, learn someone’s name, laugh together, and make room for one another, we are practicing something holy.

We are remembering that we belong to God. And because we belong to God, we belong to one another.

So this Independence Day, I hope you celebrate well. Enjoy the food. Watch the fireworks. Give thanks. Say a prayer. Be safe.

And maybe ask this simple question:

How is Jesus inviting me to use my freedom for love?

I hope to see you Sunday for worship and cobbler.

There is room for you at the table.


With Gratitude,

Rev. Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC