Galatians 5:13-15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ye have been called By the gospel; into liberty From the bondage of the Mosaic ceremonies, as well as of sin and misery: only use not liberty for an occasion of the flesh So as to nourish or gratify any corrupt principle in yourselves or others. But by love serve one another Use your liberty as may best manifest your love to your neighbour, seeking his edification, or at least doing nothing contrary thereto, Romans 14:13; Romans 14:15. And hereby show that Christ has made you free indeed. For all the law With which we believers in Christ have any concern; is fulfilled in one word Or precept; even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself Inasmuch as none can do this without loving God, (1 John 4:12,) and the love of God and man includes all perfection. But if On the contrary, from your zeal for, or your zeal against, the Mosaic ceremonies, and in consequence of the divisions which those troublers have occasioned among you; ye bite and devour one another By evil speaking, railing, and clamour; take heed that ye be not consumed one of another That your divisions do not end in the total destruction of religion among you, and the entire ruin of your church: for it is certain, by these mutual contentions, you take the readiest way to produce these effects. By bitterness, strife, and contention, men's health and strength, both of body and soul, are consumed, as well as their substance and reputation.