ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

The Way of Walking

Romans 13:9

The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

 

Halakha is the body of Jewish religious law, and includes 613 talmudic and rabbinical laws, as well as various customs and traditions. Halakha is often translated as "Jewish Law", although a more literal translation might be "the path" or "the way of walking".
In the middle of Paul's discussion and instruction on government, he pauses for a moment to remind us of love. We might ask, "But what about those who abuse their power? Who corruptly take advantage of the weak?" We are reminded of Luke 18:7-8: "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly."
It sounds to me like God has a plan for those who break His laws which is far worse than anything I could envision. I think Paul's point today is for us to do our job, and let God do His. So what are we to do in the meantime? If we compute, calculate, and tally all of the 613 requirements and conditions of Jewish law, we are left with "the way of walking" -- summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do unto others what you would have them do unto you. It's probably the first lesson learned in kindergarten, yet it is as practical for a 50 year old as it is for a 5 year old. How many times have we asked our children, "How would you like it if someone did that to you? Not very much, right?" Are you applying this same lesson in your own life each and every day? Take inventory of your actions, are they consistent with God's instructions regarding love your neighbor as yourself?

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