Yesterday we mentioned the spirit of the law. To grasp the spirit of the law is not merely about how to handle being wronged. We want to be able to recognize the Holy Spirit behind every law. In Romans 13:9, Paul cites an abridged version of the Ten Commandments and then acknowledges that all laws are summed up in one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself".

He followed up with the words: "love does no harm to a neighbor".

Our problem is that we too easily set aside love when wronged by a neighbor and mentally move to vengeance or retribution on that neighbor. The goal Jesus has, and Paul too, is that we love all the time – even in situations where applying consequences is appropriate.

How can we make sure that we do not quit loving because someone has wronged us?

Prayer

Father God, I want to live in such a way that Your love is the primary motivator in my life. I don't want my love for others to be derailed by the way they treat me. I want to learn to love enemies like Jesus loved enemies; I want to learn to forgive like You forgave; I want to fulfill the spirit of the law as You desire in my life. Amen.

Micro-Meditation Scripture

Psalm 119:41-48 (Waw, 6th letter)

41. May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,
    your salvation, according to your promise;
42. then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
43. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
44. I will always obey your law,
    for ever and ever.
45. I will walk about in freedom,
    for I have sought out your precepts.
46. I will speak of your statutes before kings
    and will not be put to shame,
47. for I delight in your commands
    because I love them.
48. I reach out for your commands,
    which I love,
    that I may meditate on your decrees.
    

Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God

James 4:11

Do not slander one another.

Isaiah 59:21

My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever.

Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

This part of Psalm 119 uses these words to describe interaction with God’s Word: Delight, freedom, hope, love, and trust.

Which one most connects with you?

---