In what ways can love be a debt we continually pay to others? The Verse at the Center “Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.” (Romans 13:8) Understanding “Owe No One Anything” • The phrase covers every ordinary debt—finance, favors, promises. • Yet one obligation remains purposely outstanding: love. It is never marked “paid in full.” • Scripture insists this is not optional; it is woven into God’s revealed moral order. Why Call Love a Debt? • Christ first loved us—He prepaid the account on our behalf (1 John 4:10-11). • Receiving such grace places us under continuing obligation to pass it on (1 John 4:19). • Love’s value is infinite; no single act can exhaust the balance. • The command is present tense: “Be indebted”—a perpetual state, not a one-time bill. Love Flows From a Paid-In-Full Cross • “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” (John 13:34-35) • Because Jesus’ sacrifice settled our sin debt, His people are freed—and expected—to spend themselves for others. Practical Ways We Keep Paying • Acts of service: “Through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) • Honoring others: “Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” (Romans 12:10) • Generous help: “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27) • Forgiving quickly, mirroring the mercy we received (Ephesians 4:32). • Speaking truth in love—building up, never tearing down (Ephesians 4:15,29). • Bearing burdens—emotional, financial, spiritual (Galatians 6:2). • Hospitality and shared resources (Hebrews 13:16). • Persistent intercession for others’ needs (Colossians 1:9-11). Love Fulfills the Law “The entire Law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14) • Every moral command—honesty, purity, justice—finds completion in love. • Obedience flows naturally when love guides motive and action. The Daily Rhythm • Wake each day acknowledging the outstanding balance. • Draw on Christ’s inexhaustible supply. • Look for providential appointments to “make a payment”—words, deeds, attitudes. • End the day grateful that the more love is spent, the richer the account becomes. |
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