John Calvin Commentary Galatians 5:14

"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." — Galatians 5:14 (ASV)

For all the law. There is a contrast in this verse—though not plainly stated, yet clearly understood—between Paul’s exhortation and the doctrine of the false apostles. While they insisted on ceremonies alone, Paul takes a passing glance at the actual duties and exercises of Christians. The present commendation of love is intended to inform the Galatians that love forms the chief part of Christian perfection.

But we must inquire into the reason why all the precepts of the law are included under love. The law consists of two tables: the first instructs us concerning the worship of God and the duties of piety, and the second instructs us concerning the love of our neighbor; for it is ridiculous to make a part the same as the whole.

Some avoid this difficulty by reminding us that the first table contains nothing more than to love God with our whole heart. But Paul makes express mention of love to our neighbor, and therefore a more satisfactory solution must be sought.

Piety to God, I acknowledge, ranks higher than love of the brethren; and therefore, the observance of the first table is more valuable in the sight of God than the observance of the second. But as God himself is invisible, so piety is something hidden from human eyes; and, although ceremonies were appointed for its manifestation, they are not certain proofs of its existence.

It frequently happens that none are more zealous and regular in observing ceremonies than hypocrites. God therefore chooses to test our love for himself by that love of our brother, which he enjoins us to cultivate. This is the reason why, not only here but also in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 8:8 and Romans 13:10), love is called the fulfilling of the law—not because it excels, but because it proves the worship of God to be real.

God, as I have said, is invisible; but he represents himself to us in the brethren, and in their persons demands what is due to himself. Love for others springs only from the fear and love of God. Therefore, we should not be surprised if, by a figure of speech in which a part is taken for the whole, the effect includes the cause of which it is the sign. But it would be wrong for anyone to attempt to separate our love of God from our love for others.

You shall love your neighbor. One who loves will give to everyone their due, will do injury or harm to no one, and will do good to all, as far as is in their power; for what else is included in the whole of the second table? This, too, is the argument Paul employed in his Epistle to the Romans (Romans 13:10).

The word, neighbor, includes all living people, for we are linked together by a common nature, as Isaiah reminds us, that you hide not yourself from your own flesh (Isaiah 58:7). The image of God should be particularly regarded as a sacred bond of union. But, for that very reason, no distinction is made here between friend and foe, nor can the wickedness of people set aside the right of nature.

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The love which people naturally cherish for themselves should regulate our love for our neighbor. All the doctors of the Sorbonne habitually argue that, as the rule is superior to what it directs, the love of ourselves must always hold the first rank.

This is not to interpret, but to subvert our Lord’s words. They are asses and do not have even a spark of the love of their neighbor; for if the love of ourselves were the rule, it would follow that it is proper and holy, and is the object of divine approval.

But we shall never love our neighbors with sincerity, according to our Lord’s intention, until we have corrected the love of ourselves. The two affections are opposite and contradictory, for the love of ourselves leads us to neglect and despise others; it produces cruelty, covetousness, violence, deceit, and all related vices; it drives us to impatience, and arms us with the desire for revenge. Our Lord therefore enjoins that it be changed into the love of our neighbor.