When we study the Bible, we must be careful to divide it according to the Holy Spirit’s interpretation. It’s a mistake to think about God’s commandments and picture a long list of rules. This existed under the dispensation of the old covenant; however, under the dispensation of the new covenant, Jesus simplified everything into one command: love.
The Law of Moses was given to expose sin and bring people to the end of themselves, but Jesus replaced hundreds of regulations with a single principle that reflects His nature. Love isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of grace. God asks us to let everything we do be done with love; this should be our primary motivation.
After God had drilled into the people the Ten Commandments as part of Jewish law, Jesus came and replaced the old laws with one overarching commandment, which was to love each other. No doubt that confused His disciples, but this reflects the heart of Jesus. The focus has shifted; we’re to fervently love one another because love covers a multitude of sins.
What was true under the law may no longer be true under grace. The law came by Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus; the cross marked the dividing line between the old and the new covenants. Trying to live by the law today only brings guilt and condemnation, because it was never designed to make us righteous. Righteousness comes by faith in Christ, and that faith works through love.
God didn’t just command us to love; He equipped us for it. The Holy Spirit poured God’s love into our hearts so we could love supernaturally, even when it’s hard. Walking in the Spirit helps us fulfill the righteousness of the law without striving. Love is the evidence that we belong to Jesus—it’s how the world knows we’re His disciples.
Love fulfills every requirement of the law because it seeks no harm. Choosing it frees us from performing. Embracing it empowers us to live like Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord, You poured Your love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who is also known as the Spirit of grace known. Thank you for sending Him to help us to walk in that love daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scriptures:
Galatians 3:19, NLT
1 Corinthians 16:14, NKJV
John 13:34, 35
1 Peter 4:8, NKJV
John 1:17
Galatians 5:6
Romans 5:5
Romans 13:8-10, NKJV