Day 91
Today’s reading: Mark 3:1-2
Love vs. Law
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Love vs. Law 〰️
Reflections
We are saved by grace through faith—that much is true. And while salvation is a gift of grace, it does not excuse us from pursuing moral excellence. That too is true. However, there is a serious issue when we become so fixated on rigid rule-keeping that we lose compassion for others. When we no longer care for humanity and cling to the law at the expense of mercy, it reveals a hardened heart—a heart that has been overtaken by sin. This is what grieved Jesus about the Pharisees. Though they appeared righteous, they were deeply rooted in sin and blinded by pride. Their hearts were so hard that they could no longer recognize the truth, even when it stood before them.
A hardened heart resists conviction. When the heart is unyielding, even the Holy Spirit cannot penetrate it to bring correction. This was evident in the actions of the Pharisees, who, instead of being convicted by Jesus’ words and miracles, responded by plotting His death. When Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath," He was making it clear that God’s laws were designed for our benefit—not to burden us, but to bless us. His laws are an expression of His love, not a tool for judgment without mercy.
God’s commandments must always be applied through the lens of love. It is the love of God that enables us to rightly understand and apply His law. Without love, law becomes legalism. But with love, it becomes life-giving.
Study Questions
Which of God’s commandments do you find most challenging to obey? Can you reflect on how this commandment is intended to bless you or benefit those around you?
Are there any religious practices you tend to observe out of habit rather than conviction? Take a moment to consider their original intent. Do these practices reflect love for God and for others, or have they become empty rituals?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea” Mark 3:7 ESV
