I remember sitting in Bible college as the professor stood in front of the classroom and asked, “Do you know what a mirror does?” He then humorously stated, “It tells you, ‘You’re ugly.’” It reminds you that you need to wash your face, brush your teeth, wipe your nose, comb your hair, and more. While the explanation was silly, the lesson left a lasting impression on me. More than just reflecting our outer appearance, the law of God acts like a mirror when we look at it closely.

First, the law serves as a schoolmaster. In Romans 7, Paul states, “I would not have known sin, for I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’” When we examine ourselves in the mirror of the law, it begins to define our flaws, blemishes, and imperfections—bringing to our attention things we might not have noticed otherwise. The law points out the sin in our lives and makes us aware of it, leading us to recognize our shortcomings and realize that we are, in a sense, “ugly.” This mirror, this schoolmaster, reveals the knowledge of sin, making a distinction between God’s holiness and our humanity, and shows us how we fall short of His standard, and are in need of salvation (Galatians 2:24, James 1:23-25).

Second, the law restrains evil in the world. It instills a fear of punishment that helps prevent humanity from spiraling into chaos. Though cultures may differ in their interpretations of law, the law of God is represented in some form everywhere. Paul argues that people intuitively know God’s law; thus, when it is violated, it brings a sense of fear and shame. People often cope with this by either suppressing the truth or embracing it (Romans 1:18, Romans 2:14-17).

Finally, for the believer, the law takes on a different significance. When a believer reflects on the law, it does not condemn; rather, it helps mold us into the likeness of God. In Matthew 22:36-40, when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He simply replied, “Love God and love others.” This is the nature to which God calls us because it reflects His essence. We understand God’s nature through 1 John 4:8: “God is love.”

As we examine God’s law, specifically the Ten Commandments, we see that the first four commandments relate to our vertical relationship with God—how we are to love Him. The last six commandments address our horizontal relationship with one another—how we love others. When Christians look into the law, they are guided and molded into the character of God, continually reminded of what love looks like.

In Romans 7:7-25, Paul explains that the law uncovers sin in our lives and helps us confront it with the truth of the cross. He shows believers that we can disassociate ourselves from the sin the law reveals by looking to Jesus Christ, our Lord. Everything the law points out—those blemishes, wrinkles, and imperfections—Christ has covered, making us beautiful in His sight. Ultimately, we will be made perfect in the resurrection when all blemishes, wrinkles, and imperfections will be removed once and for all.

Father God, as we delve into the truth of Your Word, I pray that we increasingly take upon Your nature. Help us to reflect more of who You are and give us the strength to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that You are the one doing the good work within us to do Your will. Thank You for reminding us that we are not alone, and thank You, Jesus, for covering our sins.