Listen

Your laws are wonderful! That’s why I guard them. Access to your words gives light, giving simple folk understanding. I open my mouth up wide, panting, because I long for your commandments. Come back to me and have mercy on me; that’s only right for those who love your name. Keep my steps steady by your word; don’t let any sin rule me. Redeem me from the people who oppress me so I can keep your precepts. Shine your face on your servant, and teach me your statutes.

Psalm 119:129-135

Think

Rules are rules and usually have a clear purpose. No running at the pool lest you fall and crack your head on the cement. No speeding lest you cause an accident. No talking loudly on the cell phone in the library because the library is a quiet, public space. Sensible rules have a purpose which folks can agree upon. They help keep order and safety in our society.

There’s a slight difference, however, when considering the laws and commandments of the Lord. God’s law is about a rule of life, a code of ethics that shapes our whole life. Faithfulness to the law of God — the law of abiding Love — is the beginning of wisdom, of recognizing that God is holy and that God’s ethic of loving neighbor is better than any other way of life. It’s a kind of wisdom that flourishes in the light of truth and understanding. What a way to live!

As the Psalmist sings, God’s laws are truly wonderful. Shine your face on us, oh Lord, and teach us your statutes of Love.

Aram Bae

Pray

God of infinite wisdom, show me the way of your love so that it makes a difference in my behavior, attitude, and motivation for living. Remind me that loving you means loving my neighbors. Convict me of the power of this truth. Amen.

Go

May the God of Love bless me and keep me.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon me and be gracious to me.

May the Spirit of Truth lead me in the path of wisdom and peace.