8 November 2023
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
From Romans 13:8-10, NRSV
In earlier chapters of this letter, Paul spent some time in explaining how salvation has been won by Christ for all. He now turns his attention to outlining how Christians should live. He makes it clear that the only debt we should owe to anyone is the debt of love. Some have taken this as meaning that Christians should not lend or borrow money, but the debt to which Paul was referring was not associated with money or property. Paul had already taught that Christians should pay their taxes, repay loans when required and to live as good citizens showing due respect for authority. The debt of love, unlike the debt of money, is one that can never be fully repaid. Just as we receive ongoing love from God, Christians are called to put love at the heart of all that we do and to love others as we love ourselves.
- What do you you think it means to “love your neighbour as yourself”?
- How easy is it to follow this law of love?
Try to live today with an awareness of how you can bring God’s love to others.
