The Law of Love

May 15 Thursday of the 4th week of Easter: 

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; John 13:16-20

“I have found… a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.” Acts 13:22

David broke God’s law. He sinned very badly. But in his heart he desired to be faithful, not just to God’s laws, but to God himself; to carry out God’s “every wish.” And God judged him by his heart, not just by his behavior.

It is impossible to translate the New Law of Jesus into laws. Read Matthew, chapters 5 to 7, and you will see that Jesus gives guidelines for thinking like God, embracing the ideals of God, seeing people and things as God does. When he translates those into action, he gives examples too far-fetched to make into laws. He wants us to be people “after his own heart,” who will try in everything to live on the level of God. The New Law is simply “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Law-observers steer by the channel markers of the Ten Commandments; their course is to keep within bounds. Prophets steer by the fixed star that is Jesus Christ; their course is to direct their lives toward him. They have to navigate.

Prophets have the courage to apply principles creatively; to discern, to make personal decisions and choices. To do this they need to know the heart of God.

PRAY: “Lord, give me your Spirit, so that I can do your will.”

PRACTICE: In doubt, try following your heart. Learn God’s heart by experience.