Love One Another

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It's pretty easy to love these grands!




Scripture:


Rom. 13:8   Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Observation

Verse 8 may connect back to the previous section on paying taxes—reminding us not to leave any tax debts unpaid. But it may also reflect the wisdom that first-century Christians were better off without financial obligations weighing them down. By living debt-free, they were free to follow Christ fully.

There is great freedom in loving others. Because Christ has lavished His love upon us, we owe love and grace to one another. In doing so, we fulfill the law of the Old Testament. The commandments listed here guide our relationships—with our spouse, our family, and our neighbors. Everyone we interact with is our “neighbor,” and we are called to love them as we love and care for ourselves.

The one debt we can never finish paying is the call to live and act as Christ would—showing His love to everyone around us.

Application

Debt can be a complicated issue. In our culture, it’s easy—and often considered normal—to carry debt for homes, vehicles, and other purchases. But as Lyons and Greenhouse observe:

“How many believers do you know who find themselves so strapped with debt they are obliged to work long hours just to make ends meet? Who are committed to lengthy commutes so they can afford ‘the right house’? Who are drowning in a sea of expensive ‘toys’ and perpetual noise? Who have no time for the all-consuming kind of love Paul commends here? Are you one of them?”
(Greathouse, William; Lyons, George. NBBC, Romans 9–16: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. Kindle Edition.)

Perhaps the deeper issue is misplaced love. Instead of finding contentment in Christ’s love, we chase satisfaction in possessions. That’s why Paul’s challenge is so timely: open your eyes to the people around you. Instead of pouring resources into “things,” invest in relationships.

Jesus gave His life for us. If Christians would love others with that same sacrificial spirit, the world would be transformed. In loving one another, we live out the heart of the Old Testament law and reveal God’s love to the world.

Look around you today. Ask God to help you see your neighbor—starting with your own family—and love them well. Our greatest debt is the one Jesus has already paid. For His sake, let us love one another deeply.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes today to where You are leading me. Even if I’m far from home, I know my path will cross with others. Help me to reflect Your love to them in my words, my actions, and my attitude. Amen.

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