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LOVE OVER LAW

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Oct 18
  • 3 min read

Readings:

Exodus 11:10-12:14

Psalm 116:12-13,15-18

Matthew 12:1-8

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On the same day, I experienced two extremes of law enforcement in Nigeria. On the first account, a police officer wanted to extort me for driving through a one-way road. On the opposite end of the spectrum, an officer showed me that I was in the wrong by stopping at a U-turn. While the first person insisted that I part with some money, the second person let me go after asking a few questions. Did I commit an offence in both instances? Yes, I did.


The responses I got from both people were different because of their understanding of the law. While the first person is legalistic and uses the law as an opportunity to punish and extort people, the second person is moral and sees the law as corrective and instructive. To the accusation of the Pharisees over his disciples’ behaviour on the Sabbath, Jesus simply said: “And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless” (Matthew 12:7). If you love someone, you will not insist on legality. But if you hate someone, you will always find faults even where there are none. So, where is the problem? It is in our hearts, where hatred must give way to love, selfishness must give way to service, suspicion must give way to trust, and greed must give way to generosity of spirit.


What do we need to do?

  • Allow your heart to be convicted and converted by the Holy Spirit, the spirit of love.

  • Admit that you are sometimes guilty of selfishness.

  • Treat others as you wish to be treated if you find yourself in their shoes.

  • Think about how you will treat your best friend and make that the paradigm of your relationship with everyone else.

  • Give others the benefit of the doubt.

  • Treat every encounter with everyone as a fresh case. Do not generalise, claiming that everyone is the same.

  • v  Pray before stepping out of your home each day because you will encounter a lot of strange and unusual characters and situations with whom you must act with wisdom and charity.

  • Watch what you say about others; it is reflective of your personality.

  • Bonus tip: When you are in the wrong, admit it. Do not cover up anything. Submit yourself to whatever punitive actions will be taken and learn from your mistake. Let it shape you for a better future.

JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, help me to treat others as I wish to be treated; to love as you love, to bear the wrongs of others patiently, to serve others wholeheartedly and forgive hurts quickly. Let others know and feel your loving presence through me. Amen.

  2. Eternal Father, I commit my day to you. Fill my heart with your holy presence. Free me from malice and selfishness. Give me only love for you and make me an instrument of your tender love and peace. Amen.

 
 
 

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