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The Royal Law (James 2.8) is inextricably linked to the Golden Rule (Matthew 7.12). If I love my neighbor as myself, I certainly will treat him as I want to be treated. The desire for mercy on my behalf likewise would mirror my desire for mercy on my neighbor’s behalf. When love for neighbor is equal to love for self, crime disappears, gossip ceases, and hatred becomes a relic of uncivilized times. The concept of the Royal Law is not new but it is revolutionary!

James continues his practical application of the Royal Law principle by stating, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2.10). This affirmation has troubled many and has been misunderstood by about the same number of people. The common misinterpretation of the verse claims that when we offend in the minutest point of law, we might as well offend in the weightier matters. While this might seem to be the meaning on the surface, that is not James’ point; he has a point, but this is not it.

The statement by James is directly linked to Jesus’ statement when spoke of the first commandment and the second commandment (see Matthew 22.35-40). When supreme love for God joins with proper love for one’s neighbor, only good can come! There could be no sin against God, self, or fellowman. The result of such an allegiance on the part of all men would lead to a utopian existence. Now, to see how James made his affirmation. When a man murders his neighbor, would you affirm that the live that existed between the two fell short of the love that Jesus commended in the second to greatest commandment? To ask the question is to answer it. Likewise, if a man steals the possessions of his neighbor, would you affirm that there was biblical love that existed between the two? Again this rhetorical question needs no answer!

Now fill in the blank regarding the specific sin that a man commits against his neighbor. Isn’t it true that every sin of this kind is a sin that originates from a lapse in either the First Commandment, the Second Commandment, or both? When a man lies about his neighbor, he breaks the Royal Law. When a man takes his neighbor’s wife, he breaks the Royal Law. When a man gossips about his neighbor, he breaks the Royal Law. The list is endless and the result is always the same. That is because upon this, the second commandment, and upon the First commandment the entire law of Moses is was substance. Remove the requirement to love, and you remove the very heart and soul of the Law. Upon these two Commandments were suspended the entirety of the Law and The Prophets.

So of what law is a man guilty when he steals from his neighbor? Of want law is he guilty if he commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife? Of what law is a man guilty when he lies about his neighbor? In every case, it is one and the selfsame law. The man committing these sins is guilty of breaking the Royal Law! Regardless of which one of the carnal ordinances he breaks, the result is the same, the Royal Law is broken. Hence is this sense, “…whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”

Somewhere hidden deep inside this reality is the secret of how and why man needs mercy! Who has not done his neighbor wrong? Who has not sinned even against one’s own person? For this reason, mercy is demanded by the Royal Law.

Questions:

1. How is the Royal Law linked to the Golden Rule?

2. Can a man sin against his neighbor while perfectly keeping the Royal Law?

3. Can a man keep the Royal Law while sinning against his neighbor?

4. Do you think you need mercy when it comes to how you have treated you neighbor? Why or why not?

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

A Lot Of Salt