THE DEBT OF LOVE

 

Romans 13:8-10  Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow-man has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbour as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law. (NIV)

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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Following on from Paul's instruction to pay whatever taxes the civil authorities demand (Romans 13:6-7), the Apostle now says that no debt should be left unpaid. If you owe money, pay it quickly. The Old Testament law said that debts should not be held for ever against members of God's family, but they must be cancelled after seven years (Deuteronomy 15:1-3).

However, our greatest obligation as born-again people is to love God and one another. That debt never goes away because God's mercy and forgiveness of us is never ending. So, as we have received love, we need also to give love. In these verses, love is defined as 'not harming our neighbour'. That is not as easy as we might think. None of us lives totally independent lives; so, whatever we do or say in order to please ourselves will in some way disadvantage or harm those around us. By contrast, love starts with an attitude that wants to give, and is willing for self-sacrifice.

The Christian is called to that kind of life - constantly seeking to serve others and to give whatever is needed. However, that is a tough call because it is against our human nature. Yet it is the standard set by Jesus Christ. Indifference to the needs of others is unloving. Allowing our neighbour's need to increase while we have the capacity to help, is like not paying our bills: as is failing to prevent harm from engulfing our neighbour, when it was in our power to do so. Of course, by that standard we all fail ... which is why we need God's love to forgive us and then empower us to give to others as He has given to us.

Prayer:  Loving Lord. Thank You for loving me, for hearing my cries for help and saving me. Thank You for forgiving my sins. I am sorry when I have ignored the needs of others and failed to give myself in service to them. I repent of allowing others to be disadvantaged when I have pleased myself. Please help me to see others as You see them, and may I be willing to love them sacrificially as You have loved me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.