If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right
(Jas. 2:8).
It seems to me that the most diligently “policed” laws are tax laws. The South African Revenue Service’s reputation for meticulously scrutinising tax returns is widely, and perhaps grudgingly, respected
We are not familiar with “Royal Edicts” (laws from a king that must be obeyed). However, the way we dutifully submit tax returns may give us a rough idea of what it might mean to obey a “Royal Law”. We begrudge paying tax because we feel it gets squandered on trains that don’t fit, mansions that don’t belong and salaries that are not earned.
The Royal Law, as given by King Jesus to residents of the Kingdom of God, is simply “Love your neighbour as yourself” (c.f. Mk. 12:29f, Lv. 19:18). We have every reason to expect that our observance of this law will be scrutinised with a meticulousness that SARS could never dream of. We will one day stand before the Judge and give account for our actions. We don’t begrudge obeying the Royal Law because our King is just, His reward to us is immeasurable and His costly example was one of humble service even to death.
Let us especially love those we label “foreigners”, “refugees” or “them” – neighbours known by God as our “brothers” and “sisters”.
God Bless,
Sean
A Prayer for Refugees (from “My Personal Prayer Book” by Bishop Geoff Quinlan)
O God, the Father of all, have mercy on those whom war, oppression or famine have robbed of home and livelihood. Be with those separated from family and friends and save them from bitterness and despair. In your great compassion ease their sufferings and so direct the nations that all refugees may be granted relief and a new beginning; for Jesus Christ’s sake.
Amen