This life is nothing less then a process for all of us to learn what we need to learn. I have taught my children and grandchildren to remember to always follow this one important thing:

LEARN TO LOVE, LOVE TO LEARN.

Every human being who has ever been born starts learning even before birth and continues for all of their lives. God teaches us his truths in many and various ways. Some of it came from the LAW and we shouldn’t discount the law just because we now understand that it does not or ever did have any power to give life.

I think you make some wonderful points and there is much of what you say that I agree with. The Law can guide and help us as well as understanding Love can guide and help us, but neither the Law or our Love changes how God loves us now or ever. His love is never based on any process we might be going through.

I have contended this point once with Bruced concerning the law - which I actually see as helpful for society - but I do get where we need to ‘graduate’ to - that of ‘love’. The law is loving when one does consider it - but I can see where Paul is coming from with his letter(s). If one just follows the law - they will not come to the idea of ‘love’ per se - they will come to the point of obedience - but to internalize the reason of the law - one needs to know ‘love’.

I think there is a process involved and we need to learn the law to see this. The law exists, as it does in our society, the guide the community - to set up a system for the people to be governed by. The law actually protects society - the law is meant for good. Paul seems to be getting into an idea the law needs to be ‘internalized’ - more individualistic in nature it is being used. I get it…if we love we will do by nature what the law (which the gentiles do not have) is asking - thus the graduation from mere obedience to motivation (love for others).

I could be wrong - but what the hell - is this a process that takes time?