⁸If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Does not James sound quite a bit like the Lord Jesus Christ? All three of the synoptic gospels (Matt. 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27) record our Lord quoting Leviticus 19:18, which God gave as part of the law of Moses. Jesus elevated this saying from being buried among the myriad of OT commands and gave it the prominence of being the “second greatest commandment,” next to loving the Lord. On the surface, it makes sense that James would highlight that saying. He would have heard much from his older half-brother, Jesus, while growing up in Mary and Joseph’s home. He was probably too young to have understood his brother’s teaching when, at twelve years old, He was found instructing the scholarly rabbis in the Jerusalem temple (Luke 2:41–52). But James would probably have heard quite a bit as Jesus was “increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

Interestingly, Jesus also spoke about the difficulty of being His follower and being wealthy. He flatly told a rich young teacher that to gain eternal life, he must sell all he had, give it to the poor, and follow Him (Matt. 19:26–26). So James’ teaching about wealth and commitment lies within the sphere of Jesus’ teachings. The apostle Paul was on the same page, for he also quoted Leviticus 19:18 twice (Rom. 13:9, Gal. 5:14). There is no disparate perspective between Paul and James, for both line up with Jesus.

The teaching itself is central to the ethical and social relationships for those who claim to be disciples of Christ. James calls it a “royal law” or, more literally, “the law of the king.” It comes from the highest source, the King of the universe. It overrides all of our reasoning, interactions, behaviors, attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions. We believers, as real life, down-to-earth Christians, are motivated by the “royal law” of love.

Does that mean we cannot enjoy a chocolate milkshake once in a while for its simple flavor and enjoyment? How does that fulfill the royal law? James is talking about a way of life, an attitude. And that works its way into our life so that we may enjoy simple pleasures of life without being controlled or enslaved by them. We may extend our joy to others by sharing with them. We may sacrifice in small things or big things. We may give everything we have, or we may share a milkshake. James doesn’t specify. But what he writes is hard-hitting, just as it was when Jesus said it, and when Moses wrote it down. When we keep the royal law, we “are doing well” in being followers of Christ.

Lord, help me in love to give joy to others as I have found joy for myself.