Law and Grace

On of my favorite stories, in just about any form, is Les Miserables.  Recently, I was watching the 25^th Anniversary Concert on DVD with my wife. As I was watching it and telling my wife what was happening during some of the songs, I noticed a major theme emerge among the two starting characters. That theme was law and grace.

One character represented The Law and was unrelenting, punishing without mercy. That is the problem with the Law, no one can keep all parts of the Law all the time. We may keep away from violating the major laws, Not killing, not committing adultery, but what about the other ones? How many of us have wanted what a neighbor had? How many times we desire a better car, bigger house? How about telling that little white lie? Isn’t that bearing false witness? What about the fact that the Law should be deeper into our hearts, if we follow Jesus’ logic? He points out that it is not just do not murder, but do not be angry.  See, it is impossible to follow the Law perfectly, therefore, the Law condemns without mercy. Paul tells us that in Galatians 3:10 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

On the other hand, another character represented Grace and offered protection, hope, mercy. Throughout the story, this character grew from being an outcast who hated a world that hated him to becoming one cared. Grace refused opportunity to become selfish, seek revenge, or break his promise. I know that given the two choices, I would rather have grace on my side than Law. Luckily, I know that we live in an age of Grace. Paul also tells us further on in Galatians 3, “Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Funny isn’t that Grace, looks a lot like love according the Scriptures? 

The best part about this is that everyday we have a choice of what kind of people we are going to be. Are we going to live pushing the Law, saying that all must obey? Understandably, there are certain things we should not let slide, but must we have the attitude that is unrelenting, without mercy, and full of judgment? Or, do we act like a person full of Grace? Understanding what is going one, giving mercy as needed, and not always seeking revenge? I used we because all of us collectively make these choices, but most important is what choice do you make.