Listen

The Lord’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The Lord’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. Honoring the Lord is correct, lasting forever. The Lord’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! They are more desirable than gold— than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey— even dripping off the honeycomb! No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them.

Psalm 19:7-11

Think

Which rules and laws do you follow? We’re surrounded by them, things we can and can’t do. They aren’t all created equal.

Laws keep us safe and give us guidance. But some laws demean others by treating them as less than equal. Human laws once disallowed whites and people of color from attending the same school or drinking from the same water fountain. Laws required Americans of Japanese descent to live in internment camps. These types of laws aren’t limited to the past. They are still with us. Some people even cite God’s law to demean and exclude others, as if God gives us a law that says, “Hate those who are different from you.”

But let’s be clear — God’s law is always about love, mercy, and grace. God’s law is built upon the firm foundation of loving our neighbor as our self, of treating others the way we want to be treated.

So which rules and laws do you follow? And do you strive to follow God’s law of love even when doing so is challenging and counter-cultural?

Laurie Brock

Pray

Holy God, you gave me the law of love, to love others as you love me. Give me strength to let this love guide my choices and actions this day, especially when I encounter those who challenge me in my love for them. Amen.

Go

We are Christ’s presence of love in the world.

How will you share this love with those you meet today in what you think, in what you say, and in what you do?