Let
no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another… Romans 13:8
From Guest Blogger Dan Thews:
Two men are walking down a dark alley.
Suddenly, robbers jump out from a corner and demand money. Nowhere to go, the
two men take out their wallets; one of them says to the other, “Wally, remember
that debt I owe you of 200 dollars? Now I give it back to you before these here
witnesses. My debt is paid!”
Debt!
Who likes debt??! In the beginning of Romans 13, the apostle Paul speaks
of the obligation we have to pay our taxes — like it or not. Now, in verse 8,
Paul turns his attention to our private
financial concerns and says, “Let no debt remain outstanding.” That probably
doesn’t surprise us. We know that as Christians we should meet our commitments
as a matter of spiritual and moral obligation. But then, St. Paul does surprise
us by adding an instruction concerning the obligation to love, calling it “the
continuing debt to love one another.”
Love is a continuing debt for the
Christian? Love is a debt that needs to be paid? How does that make any sense?
In the world, love is the theme of countless movies, songs and poems. Love is a
warm and fuzzy feeling that everyone hopes will somehow come their way — but
there is no guarantee. Love seems to reside in people’s minds as something
between a noble ideal and a pleasant optional extra. The apostle insists,
however, that love is an obligation as real as taxation and personal debt
repayment!
In 1 John 4:19 we hear, “We love,
because He first loved us.” Think about how much God loves us! Enough to send
Jesus to die for our sins. How could we ever repay that debt? We can’t. But we
acknowledge that continuing debt by loving one another. If someone wrongs you
or hurts you, “forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another” (Colossians
3:12-13). In doing
so, you reflect the love of God and say “thank you” to our amazing God!
Biblical love is a continuing debt we
can never repay. But unlike worldly debt, it is a joy to try!
Prayer: Lord, help us acknowledge
the debt of love we owe and use us to love like You love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
#Uncommon
Love
must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
From Guest Blogger Kathleen Lane:
Is it real? Or is it fake? Is it authentic? Or is it counterfeit? These are important
questions when shopping. We wouldn’t want to get scammed into spending
thousands of dollars on a fake diamond ring. Whether we’re buying jewels,
designer clothes, art, or our favorite NFL jersey … we are putting out big
money, and we want to be sure that we are getting the real thing.
Authenticity is important as we make
decisions about spending money. Authenticity is also important when it comes to
love.
Romans 12:9 tells us “Love must be
sincere.” In other words, love is to be real and honest. What is the difference
between real love and fake love? First,
it has to do with the source of love and its motivation. “Dear friends,
let us love one another, for love comes from God … God is love.” (1 John 4:7ff) Real
love comes from God. God’s love has no reason. It just is, because that is the way God is. God loves us
unconditionally; and He calls us to love in the same “no strings attached,” uncommon
way.
Fake love has some ulterior or selfish
motivation. We pretend to love because we think there is something to be gained
for ourselves. Fake love says, “I love you if
…” or “I love you because …” or
“I’ll love you when you …”
The other difference between real love and fake love is
actions. Real love demonstrates itself
by doing, by actively and sacrificially helping others. The apostle John
expressed it this way: “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions
and in truth” (1
John 3:18). God’s
love for us is active as He provides for, protects, and empowers us. His love is shown best in sacrificing the
very life of His Son so that we could be redeemed to belong to Him forever. His
very real love is what is at work in us, transforming us to be real in loving
others.
How have you experienced the real love
of God? How has your love for others been real and active? As you’re motivated
by God’s sincere love for you, what needs to change? What specific things can
you do to better reflect that love for others?
Prayer: Lord, let Your sincere love be at work in my heart. Lead me in reflecting that real love to
others. Amen.
#Uncommon
