FRIDAY July 10, 2026
The Royal Law
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
James 2:8-9
What is the royal law? The royal law is based on what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40:
“ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Again, James warned against the sin of partiality. Think about it. It is a sin to show partiality, and therefore, we cannot be a respecter of persons. The Church is likened to a hospital caring for hurting people who come to hear the Word of God. Whoever enters the church must be treated with respect and love. Christians need the love of Christ in their lives––be Christ-like. We need to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 22).
Different countries have class systems in their societies. Chile is such a place, as well as also many European countries. They all have distinct classes: the upper, middle and lower classes. The upper class will not associate with those outside of their own class. They tend to turn their noses up at lower class people and really difficult group to minister to.
Many missionaries who work among the poor see their willingness to receive the Gospel. At times, I have been challenged to reach the rich with the Gospel. At first, working among them was difficult. So I asked the Lord, “How can this class barrier be broken?” The Lord ministered to me that it was only possible to reach them through the love of Jesus Christ. You and I need the law of love in every word and action to reach the lost.
Whereas obedience is righteousness in relation to God, love is righteousness in relation to others.
~A. Plummer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
