Paul is still defending the decision that the Gentile converts to Christianity do not have to follow the Jewish religious traditions. Here, he is making a point that if it were sufficient to follow the Jewish laws to attain eternal life in Heaven, then why was it necessary to send a Messiah to save them? As he says, then Jesus would have died for nothing.
But we are not saved by the law. No matter how well we follow the commandments and obey all the dietary restrictions of keeping Kosher, we cannot save ourselves. We are justified by faith in the one who redeemed us and by following in his footsteps.
Righteousness isn't from the law but by doing the right thing because it is the right thing. We show our love to God by working for justice for the poor and the vulnerable, by showing mercy, and by forgiving one another.
Think for a minute about someone who says that they love you. You spend a lot of time picking out the perfect gift for that person, or, if you're like me, you make (knit) a gift for that person. Then they don't thank you; you never see the gift again. If it's a piece of clothing, they never wear it.
How do you feel? Do you think that their love is real? Or, do you have doubts? Would you go out of your way to give that person another gift?
Now, let's think about God. God has given us the gift of life. He gave us the gift of salvation.
How do we say thank you? Do we say, "I love you," and then go off and do our own thing, keeping up the bad habits we had before we recognized the gifts?
Love demands actions.
How will you thank God this week?
