A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THE ROYAL LAW     

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 

James 2:5 says that the Royal Law is, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Are not these words of James parallel to today’s devotional verse? Jesus teaches here in Matthew 7:12 that doing to others what you would have them do to you is a summary of “the Law and the Prophets.”   

The Royal Law is what Jesus teaches in the first eleven verses of Matthew chapter 7: Judge others as you would have them judge you; properly apply God’s word to those who are in Christian fellowship with you; Pray for yourself but also for your brothers and sisters in the faith.   

One of the purposes of God’s Law is to give guidance to your thoughts, words and actions in your daily life. You need this guidance from Him because that which you would receive through your sinful mind and heart will lead you into many difficult and dangerous situations.   

As yesterday’s devotion said, God gives you good gifts. His Royal Law is one of those good gifts. It guides you to do that which is good and right and prevents you from doing that which is not. It helps you to look out for the welfare of your brother and sister and prevents you from doing harm to them. 

God in His love wants what is best for you and for your neighbors. It is in this love He sent Jesus to become the ransom price to free you from your sins. He also has given you faith in Jesus and the gift of His Holy Spirit to dwell in you to lead and guide you in righteousness and purity. Your faith in Jesus not only provides you with freedom from your sins. It also frees you to love your neighbor as yourself, that is, to keep the Royal Law. 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for taking away my sins and also for living in me to lead and guide me onto the paths of righteousness for Your Holy name’s sake. In your holy name I give You thanks and praise. Amen. 

The man is ever blessed Who shuns the sinners’ ways,  
Among their counsels never stands, Nor takes the scorners’ place. 

But makes the Law of God His study and delight  
Amid the labors of the day And watches of the night. 

He like a tree shall thrive, With waters near the root;  
Fresh as the leaf his name shall live, His works are heav’nly fruit. 

Not so the wicked race, Thy no such blessings find;  
Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff Before the driving wind. 

How will they bear to stand Before the judgment seat  
Where all the saints at Christ’s right hand In full assembly meet? 

He knows and He approves The way the righteous go;  
But sinners and their works shall meet A dreadful overthrow.  

The Man Is Ever Blessed - LSB 705