To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 5, Day 3 – Freedom is Not License to Sin but Power to Love

Mark C. McCann | 02/26/2025

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another take heed that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:13–16

Some people who call themselves Christian believe that their salvation gives them permission to indulge in sin without worry of retribution. Heaven, they think, is a “done deal,” since Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all. The truth, however, is that Scripture tells us we must work out our salvation. This means we have a part to play by persevering in faith and running the race to win.

Catholics understand that salvation is not a free pass to live without responsibility. It is a gift that empowers us to overcome sin and love others as Jesus has loved us. It is a day-by-day relationship with grace and a journey from faith to faith. This is why the sacraments are so important. They bring us absolution and nourishment, healing and strength. We need this power to enable us to carry out the will of the Father, to build up the Church, and to gather the lost into the kingdom. Only in this way can we continue to march toward the final victory that true freedom in Christ brings. Remember, the world and heaven are watching. Let us pray that our lives will mirror what true freedom in Christ truly brings.

Questions for reflection

Do you persevere in holy living, or are you tempted to view your freedom in Christ as a license to sin?

As a Catholic, how do you take advantage of the sacraments to continue living as God desires?

Praying with Scripture

Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God. (1 Pet 2:16)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.