For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:14

Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

Teaching my grandsons how to drive has been an eye-opener. One of the biggest things we learned is that most bad driving is just plain selfish behavior behind the wheel.

A driver who is only thinking about himself, his own problems, his own schedule, how late he is for his next appointment or the problems he has at home becomes a danger to everyone around him. He’s only thinking of himself, not the other drivers around him, their schedules, their emotional state, or what they need.

Traffic laws are intended to enable us to share the road with all the other drivers out there without killing each other. They require each driver to be aware of the other drivers around him and behave in a way that could best be described as kind, loving and thoughtful.

For years we’ve heard the lie, “You can’t legislate morality.” The truth is that God’s Law defines morality and requires it, and the purpose of human laws is to require moral behavior; they demand that we treat one another with what the Bible calls love, whether we feel like it or not.

The opposite of love is selfishness: me first; everybody should cater to me, my needs and my feelings.

We’re born completely selfish, totally dependent on others to love us. We can’t help that. Growing up, maturing, is defined by our becoming the lovers and the care-givers who look to the needs of others.

Fulfilling the will of God is simple: not easy, but simple. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; love your neighbor the way you love yourself.

Lord, thank You for forgiving the times when I have thought only of my own pleasure. Thank You for giving us Your Law to define genuinely loving behavior. Lead me through this day in accordance with Your purpose, Your standards, and Your example, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles