The Difference in Law and Love

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. - Galatians 5:13

    Under Moses' law circumcision was an outward sign in the flesh that a man was of the tribe of Israel. But our Lord said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples—if you love one another." This is inward circumcision of the heart.

    Under Moses' law a Sabbath Day was set apart for required worship, otherwise most of these people would never have worshipped at all. Our Lord declared, "God is Spirit and they who truly worship God, worship him in spirit and truth. For the Father seeketh such to worship him."

    Under Moses' law, a tithe was required of everyone in Israel to support the priesthood, Levites, and the poor; otherwise we know that these people would not have given. But the scriptures say, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

    Israel obeyed the law out of fear lest they be stoned! Believers obey God because they love him, they love his law, and they love one another. "By love serve one another."