What is Love? Love is a Debt

Romans 13:8-14 

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.  And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. 

I know debt is a promise and a commitment.  I know God does not want me to remain in debt.  Debt is also a distraction and a hindrance, and as long as a debt is outstanding, I will be bound to an obligation that can become a burden in my life.  Debt can also be a sacrifice—just as Jesus died on the cross to pay my debt of sin, He commands me to sacrifice my life and be bound in love to one another. 

When I choose to act in ways I know are not pleasing to God, I not only sin against Him, but I am also prone to sin against the people around me.  These sins only fulfill the desires of my flesh, not God’s desires.  If I clothe myself with Jesus Christ, however, I will not think about these things and will live to please Him. 

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS 

Clothing myself with Christ means I will set my alarm by His standards.  When I wake up, I will immerse myself in prayer and His Word.  When I relate to my family, I will uphold His standards with integrity and righteousness.   

I do not want to drown in debt, which holds me in bondage to other people’s expectations.  Instead, I will run to Jesus, who is able to free me of this debt and follow His expectations.  He expects me to love—no matter what.  If I am full of love, I won’t hate.  If I do not hate, then I will please God.  And if I please God, I will love everyone around me and pray for them each day!   

Lord, Thank You for Your love for me! 

Please help me love others with the love You give me. 

In Jesus' Name, Amen