![]() ![]() In either case, this command is the only thing that should guide the honor we show to every person, no matter their status in the larger community. What makes it a "royal" law? Either James means that it is part of the "king" of all the commands in the Old Testament law, as Jesus said it was (Matthew 22:36–40), or he calls it royal because it was endorsed by Jesus, who is the King of Kings. James writes that believers are doing well when we really (or genuinely, authentically) fulfill that royal law. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ a 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ b There is no commandment greater than these. More specifically, we will treat our poor Christian brothers and sisters with the same honor and respect we would give to any rich man or woman who might show up at our gatherings. In the context of James's teaching here, to love our neighbor as we love ourselves means treating our neighbor as we would want to be treated. Loving your neighbor as yourself is so important to. Favoritism, James claims, violates this clear and crucial mandate from God. Loving your neighbor as yourself is found eight times in the Bible. He references the famous love command found in the Old Testament Law and in the teachings of Jesus (Leviticus 19:18 Matthew 22:39). And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Its aim is being expressed visibly, manifested practically so 'that people can see our good deeds and give glory to our Father in heaven' ( Matthew 5:16 ). Now, in verses 8 and 9, James takes his argument to another level. Matthew 7:12 and Romans 13:8-10 tell us that, when the people of God love their neighbor as they love themselves, the purpose of this scroll is being fulfilled. Clearly, the rich of James's culture aren't interested in giving Christians a fair shake. Second, it's ridiculous to discriminate against the poor and favor the rich when it's the rich who are causing their oppression. ![]() ![]() Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. It shows a lack of faith in the God who provides. If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But the stranger that dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. First, it is a sin because it ignores the equality of all men, and the reality of our true destiny in heaven. In the previous verses, James made the case that favoritism to the rich over the poor is doubly foolish. ![]()
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