Laws are always made by the one who has the greatest
power. We know that our God is the supreme power that reigns over everything
else in existence. The Almighty rules from a beautiful throne surrounded by
many pure beings. Thankfully, He has made many declarations concerning the
salvation of fallen humans. His second law is one that facilitates the
governing of the eternal family. This important law says “love your neighbor.”
The book of James is a place where we see this
majestic law. Scripture says: Yes indeed, it is good when you obey
the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as
yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a
sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. James 2:8-9 (NLT). It is impossible to over emphasize
the importance of keeping t his law. This Royal Law is the heart of God’s
family.
Many
believers think this command is optional. They act as if salvation is only
between God and themselves. We must remember that Christians are all joined
together in the Spirit. The same passage says: There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others.
But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James
2:13 (NLT). Here we are told that our forgiveness depends on how we love
others.
Having God
show us mercy should be important to us. John was loved by Jesus and he had
much to say about love. We see that love involves the Spirit: …if we love each other, God lives in us, and
his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his
Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 1 John 4:12-14 (NLT).
Our love demonstrates that the eternal Spirit of God is living in us and making
us part of His family.
Knowledge
of God’s first royal law (love God with all your heart) is necessary because we
cannot keep any of the law until we have the desire to love God. Developing a
relationship with the Spirit gives us many things. Paul said: Don’t you realize that all of you together
are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NLT).
Being a part of God’s temple means that we are part of something that is alive.
To be part
of the temple of God is not just figurative. Being included in what God is
building for eternity involves us in something which requires us to have a new
life. We are allowed to hold a position of eternal importance. The Scripture
days: You are living stones that God is
building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. 1
Peter 2:5 (NLT). We do not know what we shall be.
Good
stewardship is required when we receive this important work. Peter said: You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s
very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for
he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT).
Showing others the love of God is the important royal work we have been called
to do. The beauty of this is that everything in a life yielded to God is within
the royal laws.
