Above The Law
Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. Matthew 5:17-18
A favorite preacher of mine said something that made me reflect deeply on God's guidance for my path. Samer Massad, a teaching pastor, made this statement saying, “Sometimes as Christians, our actions communicate that we love the scriptures and morality more than our King that makes any of that relevant.” I totally agree with this statement and make it a guardrail in my walk of faith. I do not ever want to love God’s word to the point it obscures my love for God. However, there are numerous times where I feel torn between what God’s word says and what God places on my heart to act.
For example, when someone has treated me poorly and something happens to them, we are taught to love our enemies. There is that part of me that says they got their just desserts. Yet, the word of God compels me to love and pray over them as I would those who love and deeply care about me. This is one lesson that I am grateful that God has worked on both my head and heart that they are lock and step. How so? My perspective has grown to understand God is in control of not only my path but also the other person. So, when they endure hardship, I understand what it means to endure it, and thus, I feel sorrow for the pain they must endure. My heart leans toward love and mercy on them although a piece of me wants to whisper to them, “How does it feel now?”
The fundamental purpose of Jesus Christ is to demand we live a life in accordance with God's principles, while recognizing His role in offering salvation when we fall. We have all at some point seen the illustration of how we all fall short of God’s expectation, and that Jesus is the bridge that allows us to connect with Him. In light of this understanding, today's verses, which initially appeared contradictory and perplexing, actually complement each other harmoniously.
Before concluding that this serves as definitive evidence requiring adherence to His law, please ensure you have thoroughly reviewed the relevant details. When asked of the greatest commandment in Matthew 22, “Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”” (Matthew 22:37-40) This clearly outlines that love for God and love for others. It explains why someone might lie to protect a loved one from harm. The aim is not to justify choices but to highlight that God's love can surpass the law, being the most fundamental principle, which is at the heart of what Pastor Massad was getting at. Galatians 3:24-25 says, “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Now to be clear, this not to imply a license to sin to anyone or say God’s mercy is a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card. It is a guidepost. We should demonstrate kindness and compassion to those around us, prioritizing these values over strict adherence to laws that might otherwise judge both ourselves and others.
Being in servitude to God is not supposed to be easy. It is a continual grind of growth, reflection, prayer, and yes, love. Ask anyone who is married if love is easy. Today's verses encourage us to explore a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and recognize His purpose. The greater we do so, the more likely we are to reflect Christians who love Him and His teaching greater than the word He represents. Let us strive to be the kinds of Christians that love our King above His laws. How will you resolve the next time God’s word conflicts with your heart to act? What are some ways you can demonstrate kindness and compassion to those around you even when it feels challenging? My prayer is we follow the lead of Jesus Christ to love above the law. Amen.