Why do we need laws? It’s a simple question, but until recently, I never really gave a thought as to  why. Last week one of the daily Mass readings was from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The scripture that has stuck in my head is: “Against such there is no law.” (Gal 5:23)’

The thought as to what laws are needed can only be seen in contrast to what does not need a law. Paul’s comment regards the fruit of the Spirit. You don’t need to set a limit to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, or generosity. You can’t have too much faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. If one’s perspective of law is a guideline, then something like “Love your neighbor” may sound like a law. However, you also may end up asking the same question as the law scholar in Luke’s Gospel who posed to Jesus this question, “Who is my neighbor?” (Lk 10:29) If we look to the law as defining what actions we can and cannot do, we will also look for ways to bend the restrictions to our benefit and desire. But if we appreciate that God loves us despite our flaws and generously loves all others in the same way, then there are no limits as to who we love and everyone is our neighbor — even the crankiest, grumpiest, angriest person who crosses our path.

Eighty percent of the Ten Commandments contain “you shall not…” in the English translation. This indicates that while we have the ability to do these things, we need to refrain from them, thus limiting our capabilities. This is what the law does, it identifies a limit or line that should not be crossed in word or action. While there are numerous laws to govern all different aspects of life, let’s focus on just the Ten Commandments, since they were the first given by God to man. 

A major theme of these commands is that they affect relationships: both with God as well as with other people. God imposes relationship limits, not because He is a narcissist, but because He wants us to have the most fruitful relationship with Him. By setting our sights on God as the only god, by being respectful of Him and His creation, and by giving Him proper worship, we not only receive blessings in this life, but will be able to spend eternity with Him. These laws were given when the Israelites could trace their lineage to one of Jaob’s sons. A neighbor was a fellow kinsman as well. However, if we take our Baptism seriously, we recognize that everyone is a child of God, created in His likeness and image. We are all family and everyone is a neighbor. The second portion of the commands, fourth through tenth identify how we should act within these familial ties. 

Another aspect of the commands is the understated damage the actions would cause if a person would break the law. Killing another would be to assume God’s power to end another’s life — the life given to the person by God. While stealing may not immediately end a person’s life, it could hinder their ability to live or make a living, depending on what was stolen. Coveting another’s goods is like mentally stealing from that person; while it may not physically injure the other, it disrupts the relationship you have with that person. Likewise to either commit adultery or to covet another’s spouse is to damage the relationship between all families involved, including all persons within the families.  

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Law is a rule of conduct enacted by competent authority for the sake of the common good.” (CCC 1951) God is very much a competent authority and He blessed us with the Ten Commandments that allows us to understand the consequences of our actions in the relationship we have with Him as well as others. If we live our lives by reflecting the example of God, not only will we reap the fruits of the Spirit, but we will not need to focus on the law, since the limits imposed will never be anything we could entertain. With God as our role model, our lives will naturally obey the Commandments, allowing us to enjoy our family and neighbors here on earth, and our heavenly family when we pass onwards.