Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 4Sample

If you really fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing well.

What stands out for me is that James refers to the law of love as the Royal law. As we know, James, the brother of Jesus, was one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem – right at the start of this movement. A fact that can only be explained by the resurrection. Jesus was killed on a cross because that’s what the Roman empire did to wannabe royalties, wannabe kings, and wannabe revolutionary leaders. But this Leader, this king, didn’t stay dead. He was resurrected and after that, he met up with his brother, who previously didn’t believe He was the Christ, God’s anointed King. That’s how James became a leader in this movement. And now he calls the law of love the royal law.

This is how King Jesus rules. He loves people into the Kingdom of God. And now we are part of His rule. While society places people in different categories – the somebodies and the nobodies – this movement treats people differently because of the King. That is what the first part of the chapter is all about. Easier said than done. That’s why James also emphasizes faith in this chapter.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen your faith in Jesus as Lord and His victory over the evil in society so that you can implement His Royal law and that your engagement with people will be an extension of the Reign of Jesus.