The Law of Love

Galations 4:4-5—But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

In the very beginning, humans lived in a perfect relationship with God in the Garden of Eden.  But all that changed at the Fall when sin separated us from God.  Ever since that time, we have been struggling to find our way back, and God has reached out to us in myriad ways.  Before Jesus came, humans were in a pretty vicious cycle of messing up, making a sacrifice, asking forgiveness, and receiving God’s mercy.  Tons of laws were laid down that were intended to guide our relationships, both with each other and with God, and for the purpose of bringing us closer to God.  This system was flawed, though, because the law actually got in the way of relationship.  That’s why Jesus had to come.  He came to experience life under the law and show how to love through it, despite it, and because of it.  The miracle of the gospel is that God showed up to lead by example.  We shouldn’t be caught up in interpreting laws, now that Jesus has come.  Rather, we should be caught up in loving others, especially those on the edge of society.  When we love others, God is alive in us.  We connect in a tangible way with the life force of the universe.  And Jesus is the One who made it all possible.

Today as you pray and meditate on His Word, declare your desire to be consumed in Jesus’ love.  Pray that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to loving others.  Rejoice in the Spirit that takes away judgment and replaces it with grace and mercy.  Pray that you would demonstrate a merciful spirit to those around you.  Resolve to intentionally love everyone around you – especially those who might seem unlovable.