Scripture
Today’s verse comes from Romans 13:8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Background
I know everyone is aware that our country has a huge national debt. Most of you probably know that you can go on the internet and find out the current balance, and even watch it grow second by second. When I clicked on it this morning, it was at $22.3 trillion. Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about such big numbers or fret about the future of our economy. We know a God who holds all things in His hands. But even as large an amount as $22 trillion is, it should only serve to remind us of how great a debt Jesus paid on our behalf, and therefore how great a debt we owe to each other. I don’t owe someone $22 trillion, but I do owe them something far more valuable, and that is to love them. Unfortunately, some of us would prefer to borrow and lend with each other rather than roll up our sleeves and love one another. We are more comfortable keeping that distance between us, aren’t we? It’s true even of people we go to church with.
Application
How much do you know about the people who sit on the other end of your pew? How about those sitting two pews behind or in front of you? Maybe someone is sitting a little further from you because the Lord wants you to take that extra step. Maybe you need to go a little further to someone and offer reconciliation. Whatever the case, let God’s outpouring of love on you be the only motivation you need to draw closer to someone. Start paying that debt of love right away. The return is priceless.
Charge
As we begin our week, let’s ask God to show us where we owe love, and when He shows us, let us go pay it. Let’s not be afraid to do what God wants us to do. There is no better place to be than in His will.
