“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
My husband and I recently celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. When we were first married, I could not imagine how ‘the continuing debt to love one another’ would play out in our lives. In our commitment to love one another, we have persevered through trials and joys. We have learned to respect and encourage each other; and we continually strive to prioritize each other’s needs before our own.
Marriage requires a continuous debt of love for one’s spouse; loving God requires a continuous debt of love for others. Jesus explains how to love others by telling us to treat others the way we would want to be treated (Mt. 22:39). We can share God’s love with those around us through acts of kindness both big and small.
How does this fulfill the law? The law described how the Israelites were to live in relationship to God and others. At first glance, the law may appear to be just a list of rules, but at the heart of the law is love. When we love God we will have no desire to lie, to covet, or disrespect those around us. When we love God, we will delight in loving others.
As I humble myself before God He enables me to persevere in my love for my husband, my family, and others in a way that honors Him. Who needs your love today?
Loving Father, thank you for Your continuous love for us. Give us the strength to value others’ needs over our own desires. Please enable us to love our family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and even strangers, in a way that brings honor to You. Amen.
Take Action
Write down a couple of different things you can do to show love today. (If you put them in the comments we can share ideas.) Choose one specific thing to do and let us know how it goes.
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