Posted by Hal on 6/4/2009, 8:47 pm, in reply to "The law written on hearts"
208.189.33.105
Ray,
We're having problems with the meanings of words and phrases again. One problem is with the word "law". We will not be able to communicate if the definition of a word that that we are using is not clear from the context. The word law has a number of different meanings. You might look it up in the dictionary and be careful to use one of them.
The phrase "spirit of the law" is not defined in the dictionary but it does have a customary meaning. This phrase usually means an interpretation of a law that would be in keeping with the intent of it's originators. If you are going to use a different meaning then you need to define it.
You said, "I see the spirit of the law as something founded upon love of God and one's neighbor". What definition of the word law are you using here?
I think that I agree with your last paragraph. I believe that being motivated by love is what God wants of us and that when we are we will tend to do what is right. If we are motivated in our treatment of others by fear and hope of rewards then we are not living into God's will for us and are more likely to do what is not right.
Hal
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