It was the life of Christ rather than a list of codes. The perfect law is from the mind of a perfect God, and was lived out before us in a sinless life. It is the law of love, and this love is the very essence of God. God is love . Every commandment is summed up in love, so that the one who truly loves fulfills every demand for which law was intended.
Love validates every gift and sanctifies every sacrifice.
Without love the most gifted individual is nothing, and without love the supreme sacrifice is of no profit. Love is the highest attainment to which man can ascend. In Christ love is life, and life is love. That James had this in mind is evident from what he says in dealing with the problem of showing partiality toward those who are rich and influential. This is the law from which all others derive their meaning and toward which all others are subservient.