"Love is giving
for the world's needs,
Love is sharing as
the Spirit leads, Love is caring when the world cries,
Love is compassion with Christlike eyes."
-- Brandt
Brandt's verse sets
the law of Christ in focus. In our text passage, Paul's words put a fine point
on living in the Spirit. Since the Spirit of God produces "love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control" and other such same-nature fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), then
self-centered and unconcerned attitudes cannot coexist with them.
How does this
"fulfillment of the law of Christ" occur? Christ died on Calvary to
set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Through the preached
Word of God, our faith in God's sacrifice is activated (1 Corinthians 1:21 )
and the Spirit of God immerses us into Christ's death and burial (Romans
6:3-4). Christ's sacrifice births our freedom and the Spirit implants the seed
that produces fruit. As we grow in Christ a spiritual transformation takes
place. As that transformation develops and is nurtured the world's
entanglements fall away and the fruit of the Spirit are evident in our lives.
The love of Christ rules us and directs us to serve others selflessly.
What is the law of
Christ in action? Care and concern for those who are hurting. Compassion for
those who are weary and weighted-down by life issues. Sharing the good news of
Christ's sacrifice to those who have not heard it. Preaching Christ's liberation
to those who are bound. Bringing the message of hope to those who cannot see
hope. Bringing deliverance to those who are not yet free. Preaching God's grace
for everyone.
Dear Father, thank
you for the love you gave through Christ our Savior. Empower us to put
Christ-like love into action. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today with the law of Christ,
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