December 8

God’s law, expressed in Christian teaching, seems so simple to fulfill, and yet how far away we are from fulfilling it!

1

You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, “You shall not murder;” and “Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.” (Exodus 20:13)

But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)

But I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, “You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows.” (Leviticus 19:12, Deuteronomy 23:21)

But I tell you, do not swear at all … But let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No.” Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” (Exodus 21:24)

But I tell you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.

Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Give to him who asks you, and do not turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” (Leviticus 19:17–18)

But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.

That you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

— Matthew 5:21–22, 27–28, 33–34, 37–48

2

Christ’s five commandments express the conditions for fulfilling the law, and indicate everything which stands in the way of its fulfillment. All people have to do is follow these five commandments, and God’s kingdom will be established on earth. And they are easy to follow even for those of us who have been spoiled by education. What would happen if all children were educated with these commandments?

3

The constant progress of religion consists in its converging with morality. Theological opinions change, but people’s beliefs regarding conduct remain the same.

— Emerson

4

The law of life is unclear to the wise, but, the more they follow it, the clearer it becomes. The law of life is clear to ordinary people, but, the more they follow it, the darker it becomes.

— Confucius

5

There is only one eternal, immutable law, which governs all nations at all times. The one who does not obey this law renounces himself, he despises human nature, and while doing so may allow him to escape the punishments of men, he imposes upon himself the most severe punishment of all.

— Cicero

To fulfill God’s law, as far as we understand it, our effort is needed, and people are making this effort, and, however slowly, we are getting closer to fulfilling it.