Love is Everything

Romans 13:8-11, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” 

Today’s text shifts from taxes to tenderness. Financial debts can eventually be stamped “Paid in full,” but the obligation to love never expires. We are to love one another. This is primarily demonstrated within the home and local church but certainly includes the coworker who annoys you, the politician you distrust, and the friend who demands more energy than you feel you possess. This love is not vague congeniality but mirrors Christ’s self-sacrifice. Commandments against adultery, murder, theft, and coveting (v. 9) become active verbs of faithfulness, protection, generosity, and contentment. The Spirit works from the inside out, turning “Thou shalt not” into “By grace I joyfully will.” 

Ask yourself today: “Whom have I overlooked because they are inconvenient?” Then remind yourself that the gospel has canceled your record of debt and now calls you to run a perpetual balance of kindness. Therefore, let’s ask our Lord Jesus, the One who paid our immeasurable debt, to pour His love into our hearts so we will gladly spend ourselves for Him and for others. May He show us concrete ways to bless someone difficult today and may be respond with joyful obedience. Amen!