Why are God’s commandments called The Law? Why not call them The Suggestions, The Concepts, The Ideas, or The Guidelines of God? Why, The Law?

Webster’s defines law as: “1a. A rule established by authority, society or custom.” A rule it defines as: “2 An authoritative direction for conduct…” The reason we don’t call God’s laws suggestions is because they’re rules of conduct from an authoritative source.

The Bible also teaches that we should love thy neighbor. (Mtt 22:39) This means we should look out for, care for, and protect each other as a mother does her child. How are we to do this? The Bible says we should be an example for others. (1Ti 4:12) It also states we should admonish each other when we see our neighbor stumble. (2 Th 3:15) Love, as the Bible teaches it, is acceptance of those things that do not break the law of God and admonition (with love) of those things that do. We’re to support, uplift, and edify each other so that all may stay within the law. Love cares enough to confront our neighbor when he breaks God’s laws.

Lately, I’ve heard many people say we shouldn’t judge each others actions. They say we should just accept each other and get along. But is it loving to allow someone to live a life contrary to God’s law? We know the penalty. Should a mother allow her child to get hooked on drugs and offer no opposition? Is that love? Or should that mother, knowing the downside, warn her child of the dangers of his choice.

Sometimes loving thy neighbor means doing the hard thing. It means saying what the neighbor may not want to hear, but, because you can see the outcome clearly, is in the best interest of that neighbor. Love doesn’t just accept, it also verifies against the law. The destiny of a soul may be at stake.