Scriptural Reference:
Romans 3:31 ESV
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the
contrary, we uphold the law.
Galatians 3:11 ESV
Now it is evident that no one is justified
before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and
greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbours
as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law.
Galatians 5:4 ESV
You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law;
you have fallen away from grace.
Reflection:
There has been a trend amongst Christians of all denominations
to look at Faith through Legalistic Glasses. To think solemnly of
the Commandments and many different Canons and Laws of the Church
they attend. Then to reflect and ask such questions as, Is this
really a Sin, or is this just a small little Mistake: Much like
what's called a Venial Sin? If it just a Mistake, they feel justified
to do so and to expect forgiveness from God.
But for what may well be called sincere Christians of the Way; they
do not ask these sorts of questions. They don't stop and waste time
pondering if something is falling into such categories. As to find
an easy way out of a difficult situation. Or whether something might
be deemed Legal or Illegal in the sight of God.
They are too busy loving God, loving Jesus and showing this same
Love of Grace that has been shown to them, to their Brothers and
Sisters. Their only real focus and concern is how they can serve
and love them more each day. Working with Jesus and with the Family
of Christ to build the Kingdom of God.
In this Love there are no limitations. As God has no limitations
to the Love he has shown us by the very sacrifice of his only Son;
so too we should seek to continue to show the same measure of Grace
and Love to others. So it no longer is a question or matter of the
law. For the Law is fulfilled through this open sharing of Love.
For those who feel justified by their faithful adherence to the
Law, they will not be pleased when the day of Judgement comes. The
Bible is very firm on this. Jesus instructed his followers that
they were to fulfil the Law through there acts of Love. Not like
the Scribes and Pharisee. For they fulfilled the Law through mindless
acts and showed no Love to those in need.
There is a question that comes to mind. One that has been a thorn
in my side and perhaps many others. When is Love abused? When is
it right to stop and ask God to take charge and to step back? There
have been many times when travelling through the city I had been
stopped and asked for money. The usual reason is they need food.
But when offered to buy them food, the person quickly changes from
one of earnest need to one of angry frustration. Looking around
for someone else as they swear and demand money not the food.
There have also been several times when people who have chosen for
their own reasons to stop caring for themselves and just live off
what they can get for free from others has been my experience. They
know where all the free meals are. They know when clothes and other
free goods are being handed out. And they can be prompt and in the
front of the line to each of these. Yet they do very little to take
charge or control of their lives.
Our Lord Jesus came across just such people. He openly chided them
at one point. Saying that they only were there to receive a meal
and be entertained with miracles. Something the Romans were rather
fond of doing. As spectacles and entertainment were very much part
of their culture. Jesus knew that there were those who did not deserve
either the food or the message he had to offer.
How does what I just said work with what I said just prior? I'd
explain this by developing the concept that is founded on the Bible.
We are called to be Good Stewards of our resources. Not to throw
it away or squander it on things that are not going to help either
our Families or our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. So with this
in mind, we need to be mindful of the needs of others. Yet also
watchful that Satan doesn't use our acts of Grace, Kindness and
Love to our detriment. What would it benefit anyone if we were to
hand over all we have; only to find it has been wasted and that
when God has sent someone to us in need, we come up empty handed.
So in closing I'd think it would be clear to say that we are not
discussing matters of strict observance of the Law. Nor are we discussing
what rituals or ordinance we are directed to do to make ourselves
justified before God. (For we our only made Justified through the
saving Grace of the Blood of Jesus as shed on the Cross). It comes
down to a matter of discernment. Discernment through the wisdom
and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Ghost) as to what God is calling
us to. It is seeking the fullness of the Law through our Love of
God, Jesus and our Brethren.
Prayer:
Lord, I seek your divine wisdom,
To hear your voice,
To see your works,
To feel you Spirit move within me.
Lord, teach my heart to discern,
When you are calling,
Where you are leading,
What you are teaching me to do.
Through the Holy Spirit (Ghost),
Open my eyes Lord,
To those who need,
And those who don't,
And to know the difference.
Lord make me an Instrument,
Of your love and grace,
Of your light of salvation,
Of your Holy Word,
That I may share all that you give.
Amen