Understanding Romans 6 and Galatians 4 for Real Life
Freedom from Slavery: What Does It Mean?
Imagine living your whole life under someone else’s rules, unable to choose for yourself. That’s what slavery means—being stuck, controlled, and unable to break free. In Romans 6 and Galatians 4, the Bible talks about coming out of a kind of slavery: not chains and prisons, but being trapped by sin or old ways of living. It’s like being stuck in a rut, unable to change, no matter how hard you try.
But God offers freedom—a new life, not just “getting by,” but living as someone who’s truly free. This isn’t just about following rules. It’s about being changed from the inside out.
Righteousness: Living Right, Inside and Out
God is righteous. That means He’s always good, always fair, always loving. His standard for us is more than just “not breaking the law”—it’s about loving Him and loving others, putting people before ourselves. Righteousness isn’t a checklist; it’s a way of life rooted in who God is and how we’re made to be like Him.
When we live righteously, we reflect God’s image. It’s caring, forgiving, serving, and building up those around us. It’s letting God help us see others through His eyes, and treating everyone with dignity.
Justice: Making Things Right Again
But what happens when we mess up? When someone hurts us, or we hurt someone else? That’s where justice comes in.
Justice isn’t just punishment. It’s about restoring what’s right. It’s healing what was broken—whether it’s a relationship, trust, or someone’s dignity. Justice is God’s way of fixing the damage, not just making someone pay, but helping everyone involved be made whole again.
This might mean apologies, forgiveness, or practical help. Sometimes it’s a long road, but the goal is always to restore the image of God in each person—victim and wrongdoer alike.
Forgiveness: Letting Go, but Not Forgetting
Forgiveness is a gift we give. It means letting go of the need to get even, to hold a grudge. But it’s not pretending nothing happened. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the hurt or the consequences—just like Jesus still had scars after forgiving others.
When we forgive, we choose to absorb the pain, instead of passing it on. We allow healing to begin, both for ourselves and for others. Forgiveness restores us, making us more like God, who forgives freely and fully.
Forgiveness and Justice: Two Sides of the Same Coin
But forgiveness alone isn’t enough. Justice matters too. If we only forgive, but never try to fix what’s broken, we miss God’s heart. Justice is about restoring—not just wiping the slate clean, but helping people change and grow.
Imagine saying “I forgive you” but letting the same hurt happen over and over. That’s not real forgiveness—it’s ignoring the need for change and healing. True forgiveness seeks justice. It’s not about revenge; it’s about restoration.
Sometimes, restoring what’s lost is impossible. But seeking it—acknowledging what went wrong, admitting our part, and striving to make things right—is honoring God’s standard.
The Power of the Gospel: Justice That Heals
Jesus shows us the ultimate example. Through His death, He made forgiveness and restoration possible for everyone. The cross isn’t just about being forgiven—it’s about being changed and made new.
God doesn’t just say “you’re forgiven.” He also works in us to restore what was broken, to heal wounds, and to renew relationships. That’s His justice—making us whole, not just letting us off the hook.
The Struggle: When Justice Feels Far Away
Let’s be honest: sometimes, justice seems impossible. Restoring dignity and healing deep hurts can be a long, hard process. Sometimes, we forgive and nothing seems to change. Justice feels out of reach.
But that’s why Jesus matters. We trust that, in the end, God’s justice will win. Every hurt will be healed, every wrong made right. Until then, we do our best to forgive, to restore, and to love—knowing God’s grace and justice are working even when we can’t see it.
Living It Out: Righteousness, Justice, and Forgiveness Together
So, what does it mean to come out of slavery—to live free?
· It means recognizing God’s standard of righteousness, and letting Him shape our life and our choices.
· It means seeking justice—not revenge, but real restoration for everyone involved.
· It means forgiving deeply, letting go of pain, and choosing love over bitterness.
· It means trusting that God’s justice will finish what we can’t.
When we do these things, we’re not just “getting by”—we’re living the way God intends, as free people, restored and empowered to love. That’s coming out of slavery. That’s the power of righteousness, justice, and forgiveness—working together to make us new.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 