Scripture Reading: James 2:1-11

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:” (James 2:8)

There really is only one law for Heaven and Earth and that is the law of love. All other laws and commandments are built around this mighty and perfect law. If everyone lived by this law, there would not be any need for any other commandment to be written or given to man, for love for others would dictate to each heart the action of man that would be well-pleasing.

No one loves himself less than he loves others. For one cares tenderly for oneself, feeds oneself, clothes oneself, warms and cools oneself, prides and honours oneself, rests oneself, defends and protects oneself and even weeps in pity for oneself. Most of what you spend, you spend for yourself. The thing that concerns you the most is your own well-being.

But I call you to a higher law. Others first, yourself next. You know how obnoxious are those who live by the law of self-preservation, “after me, you come next.” This is the law of the world, even for best of friends. But the law of Heaven is “God first, others second, myself last.“Whatever you would that men should do to you, so ye even do to them. This is the law I gave Israel and this is the law I give you.” (Deuteronomy 10: 1 2)

Daily Preparations for Perfection by Gwen Shaw
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