How does Galatians 5:20 relate to the commandment to love your neighbor? Setting the Scene The Holy Spirit, through Paul, contrasts two paths in Galatians 5: the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Verse 20 lists several fleshly works that fracture relationships—precisely the opposite of the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Galatians 5:20—A Closer Look “idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions,” These eight words showcase how sin turns hearts inward and against others: • Idolatry & sorcery – misdirected devotion that corrupts every relationship. • Hatred – settled hostility. • Discord – chronic conflict. • Jealousy – resenting another’s good. • Rage – explosive anger. • Rivalries – self-promotion at others’ expense. • Divisions – party spirit that splits unity. • Factions – entrenched cliques. Every item opposes neighbor-love because each prioritizes self, pride, or false worship over someone’s good. What Stands in the Way of Loving Your Neighbor Scripture’s call is clear: • Leviticus 19:18: “love your neighbor as yourself.” • Romans 13:10: “Love does no wrong to its neighbor.” Yet the works of the flesh in verse 20 actively “do wrong.” They: 1. Break fellowship (hatred, discord, divisions). 2. Seek personal advantage (jealousy, rivalries). 3. Explode in harmful words or actions (rage). 4. Replace God with idols or occult power (idolatry, sorcery), undermining the very source of love (1 John 4:7-8). The Love Command Revisited Paul anchors freedom in service motivated by love: “For you, brothers, were called to freedom, but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Love fulfills the law because it: • Seeks another’s well-being (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). • Refuses envy—the very jealousy condemned in Galatians 5:20. • Builds unity, not factions (Ephesians 4:3). Spirit-Led Living: The Antidote Galatians 5:16 instructs, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Spirit produces: • Love, joy, peace—direct opposites of hatred, discord, rage. • Patience, kindness, goodness—antidotes to jealousy and rivalries. • Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—counterweights to divisions and factions. In short, Spirit-empowered love expels the relational toxins listed in verse 20. Practical Heart Checks • Replace jealousy with celebration: thank God for another’s success. • Trade rage for patience: pause, pray, and respond gently (Proverbs 15:1). • Dismantle factions: pursue reconciliation and unity (Matthew 5:23-24). • Guard worship: keep Christ central to prevent idolatry or any occult substitute. Galatians 5:20 warns what destroys neighbor-love; the Spirit supplies what fulfills it. Choosing His way turns the command “love your neighbor” from obligation into daily reality. |
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