Law of Love and Freedom

Chuckle: A man goes to an eye doctor. The receptionist asks him why he is there. "I keep seeing spots," explained the man. The receptionist asked, "Have you ever seen a doctor?" "No, just spots," replies the man.

Quote: "Love is the child of freedom, never that of domination." --Erich Fromm

THE LAW OF LOVE AND FREEDOM

"So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free" (James 2:12 NLT).

During my military career, I was an Army pilot and flew both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. During my training, I became more keenly aware of the effects of gravity on our lives and especially as it impacts the loading and flight of aircraft. Everything we do physically is impacted by the law of gravity. As we exercise, our muscles are strengthened by repetitive exertions against the gravitational pull on our bodies. Gravity is a constant.

Think for a moment what life would be like without gravity. Flying would be easy but getting back on the ground would be a challenge. Food would levitate from our plates and liquids in our glasses would float out into the air. We would struggle to keep from floating off into space ourselves. Yes, life would be much different without gravity.

Likewise, life would be a lot different without the drawing power of God's love. Yes, our lives would be a lot different were it not for the law of love that sets us free. Every day the constant law of love is at work as God demonstrates that love through his mercy and grace. His love is constantly tugging at our hearts, drawing us closer and closer to Him. God's law of love is no longer an external set of rules, but it is a "law that sets you free" when by faith you give your heart and life to Christ.

As the law of gravity keeps everything in order in our world, God's law of love keeps our spiritual lives in order. The most beautiful thing about this picture is that when we stand before Christ to be judged (2 Cor. 5:10), "we will be judged by God's (constant) law of love." In our first passage, this truth is made abundantly clear. Yes, our lives would be a lot different without God's law of love that sets us free.

The challenge for us is to love others as Christ loves us. Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34b NIV). Our living out God's law of love and freedom is not optional but an obligation. It is God's plan for us to radiate His love and be His instruments for drawing others to Himself. We should extend to others the same love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness that God has extended to us.

Love, Jerry & Dotse