Thou Shalt

In Exodus 20, we are presented with the laws that God gave Moses while the people of Israel were at Sinai. We traditionally understand the first four commandments to express our relationship with God, and the last six to pertain to our relationship with each other. Jesus would solidify this thinking, when asked about the greatest commandment.

37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt 22:37-40)

We don't often think about rules having anything to do with love. As a matter of fact, we usually see rules and laws as a list of things we either must do or must not do - they are void of emotion. But what if we preceded each rule or law with the phrase "Because I love God and others..."? Maybe then we would remember that our lives are expressions of love, not laws. Jesus' sacrifice freed us from the penalty of breaking God's laws, but it bound us to the purpose of God's laws.

Thou shalt love.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the honeycomb. (Ps. 19:7-10)