Weekly Devotional - August 31st

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has

fulfilled the law. For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not

steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this

saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor;

therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:8-10

The concept of being free from debt serves as a powerful illustration of Christian ethics; Paul

highlights that the only obligation believers should hold is to express divine love, known as

agape in Greek. This passage underscores Jesus’ summary of the Decalogue, or the Ten

Commandments, as conveyed to the Jewish leaders in Mark 12 and Matthew 22. It emphasizes the dual commandments to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, as well as to love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, the expression of divine love ultimately fulfills God’s moral law, which reflects His attributes. However, it is important to recognize that for fallen humanity, expressing perfect sacrificial love for both God and others is an impossible task. So, how should we interpret this imperative from Paul? Within the broader context of the epistle to the Romans, we are repeatedly reminded of our need to turn to the cross for justification. In this light, the perfect fulfillment of God’s law, continually manifested through divine love, will inevitably reveal the believer's weaknesses and highlight their essential need for a Savior.