It is illegal to whisper into someone’s ear while moose hunting in Alaska. California has a law guaranteeing citizens access to sunlight for drying laundry. And in Kentucky, you are only legally allowed to sell dyed chickens, ducks, and rabbits in quantities of six or more.

We get a kick out of laws like this because they sound so absurd. And they sound absurd because most laws have some basis in common sense. For example, the speed limit. While I may not obey the letter of the law all the time (oops), I understand and obey the spirit of the law which is to drive safely, predictably, and consistently with the flow of traffic.

Most laws have to do with allowing all the people crowded onto this planet safety, security, and equitable access to resources.

Of course there are and have been many laws enacted for less noble purposes, written to benefit one group of people while minimizing the rights of another, for example. That will always be the case in this broken world.

God’s laws however are perfect, wise, and just. They may not seem so because they were written for a specific group of people at a specific time. Today, the laws discussing animal sacrifice, for example, sound cruel, unusual, messy, and impractical if not impossible.

The purpose of those laws was to show how high God’s standards are and how miserable we are at keeping them.

Thankfully, Jesus came to fulfill those laws for us. And in doing so, He made obedience so much simpler.

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Not only did Jesus make obedience to God’s perfect law simpler, He also saved us from the consequences of our failure. Because we humans can’t even manage to obey this one simple, easy-to-remember law. But we should sure try.

Dear God, thank you so much for simplifying your law down from 613 commands to just one: love. When I am confused or conflicted, remind me to react with love. Give me the strength, courage, and capability to love in all the circumstances I’m faced with today.