Articles
Love: The Fulfillment Of The Law
Paul, writing to the Romans, says, “He who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom. 13:8). What, exactly, does he mean?
First, it is obvious that love is of fundamental importance. Paul continues to list commandments five to 10 of the Mosaic code and then repeats his assertion with a slight addition: “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law” (13:9-10).
In the immediate context, Paul is addressing the Christian’s interaction with others (cf. Rom. 12:9-21). He further deals with the fair and honorable treatment of brethren who differ on matters of individual conscience (Romans 14). His summary point is that if we truly base our actions on love for others, we will not seek their harm but only their good -- we will not commit murder, adultery, theft, etc. Law clarifies and encourages loving behavior among men.
Secondly, Paul adds a positive component of this love/law relationship in Gal. 5:13-14: “Through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’.” Not only will the one who loves withhold himself from harm, he will serve his neighbor and provide what he needs. This is an echo of Jesus’ maxim: “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).
Many would like to leave this exhortation in the realm of a vague feeling of goodwill or sympathy for others. But real love is much more than that, as demonstrated by Christ Himself. Jesus taught, fed, healed, traveled, suffered and ultimately died for the human creatures that He loved. He was involved. He served. He associated. He counseled. He fulfilled the intent of the law by investing His resources to help – and never harm – others.
Fulfilling the law of God goes far deeper than being on the correct side of an issue or occasional assembly with the saints. It is extending ourselves for the good of others and helping them heavenward.
