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One definition of freedom implies a lack of constraint, coercion or boundary in our decisions, choices and actions. But how free are we? We speak of humanity having free will: the power of self-determination. After all, we may be free to determine our own actions, but we are not free from the repercussion and the effects our choices have in our lives and in our world.
So when Jesus says that the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (Mark 12:29-31), we begin to see this mix of freedom and responsibility. We are free to choose to love God: love cannot be coerced or commanded. Furthermore, if we love God, we will keep God's commandments (John 14:15, 1 John 4:21), which includes a love for those around us, including our enemies.
This month, as we celebrate freedom and the birth of our nation, remember that how we exercise our freedom always has an impact upon others. A mature use of freedom is to act with a sense of how it affects others. We best exercise our freedom when we choose to positively affect the greater good.
Pastor Steve Peralta of Valencia United Methodist Church. 255-1301