Love is in the Details

“Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.” - Matthew 5:18

This is an interesting statement from Jesus. There are many things that could be said about it regarding the law and Jesus’ fulfillment of the law. But one thing worth reflecting upon is the great lengths Jesus goes to identify the importance of not only one letter of the law, but more specifically, the smallest part of a letter.  

The ultimate law of God, as brought to fulfillment in Christ Jesus, is love. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength.” And, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the ultimate fulfillment of the law of God.

If we look at this passage above, in light of the perfection of the law of love, we can hear Jesus saying that the details of love, even the smallest detail, is of grave importance. In fact, the details are what makes love grow exponentially. The smaller the detail one is attentive to in love of God and love of neighbor, the greater is the fulfillment of the law of love to the greatest degree.

Think, today, about those whom God has put in your life to love. This would especially apply to family members and especially to spouses. How attentive are you to every small act of kindness and compassion? Do you regularly look for opportunities to offer an encouraging word? Do you make an effort, even in the smallest of details, to show you care and are there and are concerned? Love is in the details and the details magnify this glorious fulfillment of God’s law of love.  

Lord, help me to be attentive to all the big and many small ways I am called to love You and others. Help me, especially, to look for the smallest of opportunities to show this love and thus fulfill Your law. Jesus, I trust in You.