“Now suppose two men quarrel, and one hits the other with a stone or fist, and the injured person does not die but is confined to bed. 19 If he is later able to walk outside again, even with a crutch, the assailant will not be punished but must compensate his victim for lost wages and provide for his full recovery.” ~  Exodus 21: 18-19 NLT

You may be thinking, “Now that’s a special verse to choose for the day before Valentine’s Day!!”

I know, I thought so too, until the Lord led me to consider the difference in the “Law given by Moses” and the “Law of Love” proclaimed by Jesus.

Under the Mosaic Law, you had to provide for someone if you wounded them.  You made the mess, you had to clean it up.

But then Jesus comes along and answers a question about how to show love to our neighbor with a story about an outcast Samaritan who went out of his way to take care of a victim of someone else’s crime.  (Luke 10:30-37)  He didn’t cause the wounds, but the Law of Love led him to compensate and provide healing anyway.

Perhaps you are married to someone who has been victimized by the bandits of abuse and negligence…  Perhaps you have a friend with so many “issues” you’ve lost count of them all…   The Law of Moses would say, “You didn’t do it, you’re not responsible.”  But the Law of Love says, “I may not have been responsible, but I can’t pass by on the other side and pretend that everything’s fine.  Through the loving power of Christ, I will help bring healing and wholeness. I will do whatever it takes, whatever the cost, to make a difference.”

This sentiment may not cause Cupid to blush, but it will honor the Lord and deepen the love you have for those God has brought into your life.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Valentine’s Day,

Sonja