We can choose to be led by the flesh or by the spirit. If we are led by the flesh, we turn away from God and towards self-gratification and lack of love for others and for God. When we are led by the Spirit, we can say, 'Abba!' We will recognise God as our Father and ourselves as children of God. A child of God is something we become, not something we are born with.

Many of those around Jesus were upset because He healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath, which was against the rules. But Jesus correctly pointed out that compassion and mercy are never against the rules and are always the correct response to human suffering and need. Mercy and the needs of others always come first. Against love, there is no law. This must always be remembered, especially in our time, when there is such a hardening of hearts on the part of some.