The Royal Law: Loving God and Neighbour

The Bible does not leave us guessing about what matters most. From Moses to Jesus to James, one command is lifted above all others: love your neighbour as yourself.

The Heart of the Royal Law

Our whole lifestyle should be characterised by not showing any distinction or favouritism and doing to others as we would like done to us (Lk 6:31; Jas 2:1,9). Love is the major theme of the Bible, shown first by God to humanity. As recipients of His amazing love, we should be ever grateful and respond in like manner to Him, extending that same love to other people.

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself. There are no commandments greater than these” (Mk 12:30-31). He placed love for neighbour second in importance only to total love for God. This stands in complete contrast to the sinful self-centredness of our human nature, which considers self the prime focus.

What does it mean to love my neighbour as myself?

The Royal Law in Scripture

Expressing a deep, practical love and concern for others is first mentioned as part of the law of Moses: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19:18). Jesus referred to it several other times, and Paul stressed its profound importance in these words: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mt 5:43, 19:19, 22:39; Gal 5:14).

James calls it the royal law because it is rightly ranked the highest, the preeminent requirement above all else. It was given by God, the true King of Israel and the true King of the Christian community (Jas 2:8). When love for neighbour governs our lives, every other command finds its proper place.

Why is love called the royal law?

Living the Royal Law Today

If we truly love our neighbour as ourselves, it will be because we are in right relationship with God. From that position, we minister to Him through serving the people around us (Mt 25:35-45). The “love-your-neighbour” command is the king of laws because loving others fulfils all the other laws. Yet how often are our attitudes, thoughts, words and actions contrary to this royal law? Constantly we are given the opportunity to live by this higher law. Do we accept the challenge?

Living by the royal law is not a vague feeling; it shows up in concrete choices. It means refusing favouritism, meeting practical needs, speaking kindly, and forgiving as we have been forgiven. Every ordinary interaction becomes a place where this highest law can be kept.

How can I keep this law today?

Reflection and Application:

In what ways am I showing favouritism or distinction toward others?
Who is my “neighbour” right now, and how can I love them practically?
What attitudes, thoughts, words, or actions need to change to align with the royal law?
How does loving others flow from my love for God?