Week 45 ~ Romans 13:8
‘Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves
another has fulfilled the law.’
When someone uses the term to ‘owe’ the probability is that
we think of financial debts or favours- ‘I owe you one mate!’ A favour does not
necessarily require a return, at least, not directly. We can barter favours,
usually as a means of helping one another or we may receive help from a
different source somewhere along the line stemming from the ‘what goes around
comes around’ premise.
Why then do we actually owe one another love? This is
challenging and we are provided with a straight forward answer- to fulfil God’s
law. What we need to do is to uncover the reasons behind our ‘debt of love.’
Firstly, we were born therefore owe a debt of love to our
parents. You might say,’ I didn’t ask to be born’ maybe, ‘my parents neglected or
abused me.’ Strong, wise people are able to go beyond the obvious and turn it
to their advantage by analysing how life experiences have helped them develop
their talents and personal characteristics. You are indebted to those who teach
you valuable lessons and love could be shown through forgiveness, even if only
on a personal level. Forgiveness can be purely within your heart. The fact that
we have a debt of love emphasises that we are loved, we received love first. It
is something we have been given, we deserve and is ours to share.
Why do I owe you love? What have you ever done for me? On a
biblical level God doesn’t owe us anything yet He loves us, easing our way through
life when we allow it (you can substitute universal law, if that is your
understanding, as all things work together for our good when we believe it.) As
we are loved without limitation we should be able to love one another and care
for one another on both practical and emotional levels. Love is not
wishy-washy, it is solid. Love may involve passion or a good dose of common
sense! Like everything else loves has its own spectrum ranging from vivid to
pastel, the love of life and beauty to the love of an individual. It has
characteristics and qualities so we need to apply judgement in order to give
our love to others- unconditionally.
The above verse is a command for life. There are no
specifications beyond the order to love one another and of course, to love
yourself. Love needs to dwell in your mind, body and soul so that your ability
to share true love increases. If we could achieve a deep love one for another
we could attain true unity.
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like to write an article for ~IB~ contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Comments
Post a Comment