"The Royal Law"
- Rita Larson
- Nov 18, 2023
- 5 min read
"Love thy neighbor as thyself." These words, echoed throughout the Bible, encompass the essence of the Royal Law. In a world where love is often misunderstood and reduced to mere emotions, it is crucial to grasp the profound meaning behind this divine commandment. The Royal Law calls us to a steadfast and zealous love, rooted in grace and exemplified in our relationship with God and mirrored in our relationship with others. As we explore the depths of this commandment, we will uncover the significance of being part of a royal priesthood and the transformative power of agape love.
The Foundation of the Royal Law: Love and Grace
Love is a word that is frequently used and yet often misunderstood. In its truest form, love is perfectly defined in the Bible. It is not merely a feeling or emotion but a choice to actively demonstrate what God teaches us. The Royal Law requires us to "love thy neighbor," as we see in James 2:8, which reads, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well." This call to love goes beyond human emotion and personal preferences. It is a reflection of God's character, for God is love (1 John 4:16). This divine love led Him to send His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for humanity (John 3:16).
Jesus, during His earthly ministry, exemplified the Royal Law by loving even those who were considered "unlovable." He taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their flaws or shortcomings (Mark 12:31). Following His example is not always easy, but it is through faith in His finished work that we find the empowerment to love others selflessly (James 2:8).
The Royal Law in the Old Testament
The connection between love and the heart is emphasized throughout the Bible, even in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 19:17-18, God commands His people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus summarized the essence of the law by stating that loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, are the greatest commandments. We read this in Mark 12:30-31, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
The Royal Law is simple and straightforward, yet many people still struggle to fully embrace and practice it. Our human nature often leads us to prioritize self-centeredness over selflessness. However, by abiding in God's love and believing in His love for us, we are able to put others first and overcome our selfish tendencies. 1 John 4:16 states, "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Also, in 1 John 4:19, we are given the why behind our love for the Father, "We love Him, because He first loved us."
The Royal Law: A Call to Zeal
The Royal Law is not a passive commandment; it requires zeal and fervor in our pursuit of love. Dr. Del Tackett defines this love as a "steadfast, sacrificial love with zeal that seeks the true good of another." It is a love that surpasses personal interests and desires, a love that pushes us to go the extra mile for the well-being of others.
To fully comprehend the depth of this love, we must delve into the meaning of its key components. Steadfastness refers to a love that persists through challenges, trials, and difficult circumstances. It is a love that will not waver or falter, no matter the obstacles we face. Sacrificial love, on the other hand, requires us to give of ourselves for the sake of others. It is a love that comes at a cost and demands selflessness. Finally, zeal drives us to passionately pursue the well-being of others. It is a fervent pursuit of doing what is right and good for others around us.
The Royal Law in Practice
Living out the Royal Law means actively seeking opportunities to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is a call to action, a call to embody the love of Christ in our daily lives. By speaking and acting in love, we demonstrate to the world that we are followers of Jesus. John 13:35 reminds us "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Practicing the Royal Law requires us to prioritize relationships and to treat others with respect and kindness. It means forgiving those who have wronged us, showing compassion to the hurting, and extending a helping hand to those in need. It involves actively listening, empathizing, and seeking to understand the perspectives and experiences of others.
The Royal Law and the Royal Priesthood
As believers, we are called to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Being part of a royal priesthood means that we have a special role and responsibility in reflecting the Royal Law to the world. We are called to be ambassadors of God's love, demonstrating His grace and compassion to those around us.
By embracing the Royal Law, we fulfill our purpose as a royal priesthood. We become agents of transformation, bringing light into the darkness and showcasing the love of God to a hurting world. Through our words, actions, and relationships, we have the power to impact lives and point others to the source of true love.
Embracing the Royal Law
Understanding and embracing the Royal Law is essential for every believer. It is through love that we fulfill God's commandments and experience the freedom and joy that come from living in accordance with His will. 1 John 5:3 reads, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." The Royal Law serves as a compass, guiding us in our relationships and interactions with others.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
Let us remember that the Royal Law is not a burden but a gift. It is an invitation to experience the transformative power of love in our lives and the lives of those around us. As we pursue a relationship with God, the love of God will drive us to zealously pursue a steadfast and sacrificial love for others rooted in grace. By putting into practice the word of God, we will be guided by the Royal Law, and we will find fulfillment, purpose, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Love like Jesus-steadfast, sacrificial, and zealous! ©Rita Larson 11/18/2023
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