“Owe nothing to anyone—except for the obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor; you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”-Romans 13:8
Leon Morris wisely said this about Romans 13:8: “We may pay our taxes and be quiet. We may give respect and honor where they are due and have no further obligation. But we can never say, ‘I have done all the loving I need to do.’ Love then is a permanent obligation, a debt impossible to discharge.” Most debt is a pain in the neck. Financial debt bogs us down and increases our anxiety. Owing a favor of some kind to another can be wearisome. But one commitment that is to never end for the follower of Christ is loving others. But why is this so?
The importance of love can’t be overstated. Throughout Scripture, love is lifted up again and again. The Lord led Peter to write and speak about love’s significance saying, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). John was changed by love and compelled by God to speak about love stating, “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other” (1 John 4:11). Paul was directed by the Holy Spirit to say much about love including this succinct, yet potent statement: “And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). And let’s not forget Jesus’ powerful words about love: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (John 13:35). Obviously, love matters! It should be the main mark of a Christian. It’s first on the list of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). God wants us to always be growing in love!
Let’s remember our call to love as we are loved (1 John 4:19)! I find it super helpful to regularly read 1 Corinthians 13 to recall what God says real love looks like and to never forget how key God says it is. For without love “…I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). As we look at what God says about love, we’re once again confronted with the truth that love is much more than a feeling that fluctuates. Rather, love looks like patience with others at home, at work, at school, when we’re out and about with strangers. Love looks like kindness, helping another when we see they have a need that we can help with. Love looks like being really quick to forgive a wrong done to us. Love looks like never giving up on someone and staying hopeful no matter the circumstance.
Simply put, we are to keep on loving others because that’s what God so graciously does for us. His love for us is steadfast! His love for us is unfailing! Psalm 36:7 says it this way: “How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings.” We are loved far beyond what we can fully fathom or deserve. Period. May we share the love we’ve been given...and then may we love some more.
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott