While I realize that it might not be practical to write multiple lessons on the “one to another” Texts of the Bible … the “Love one another” command is repeated so many times in the New Testament that I can’t resist the urge!
Occurring over a dozen times, anyway!
Like First Thessalonians 3:12 … “And the Lord make you TO INCREASE AND ABOUND IN LOVE ONE TOWARD ANOTHER, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.” Overflowing in love! In ever growing amounts!
Today however, Romans 13:8 is on my heart. It was yesterday, too! “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Am I obligated to love others? Indebted?
Paul says, “Yes!”
The verb “owe” means “do not let anything (like debt) ‘pile up’ in your life!” Do not borrow “tons” of money! Live a life that, instead of owing “favors” or “thousands of dollars” or “words of flattery” … you simply owe “love” to your fellow acquaintances!
The Greek verb for “love” used here is (of course) “agapao.” It means more than “being fond” of a person. It means caring for him or her to the point of sacrifice! Unselfish love! A giving love! Loving like God in Heaven, really! Remember, “God so loved that He GAVE …!”
The word (a pronoun) “another” is “allos” in Greek, another of “the same kind.” Other Christians, for sure. Other folks who live on your street, maybe. It carries the idea of “commonality.”
Maybe even, fellow citizens of a nation!
Then Paul adds a startling comment. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for HE THAT LOVETH ANOTHER HATH FULFILLED THE LAW.”
About “fulfilling the law” when we love!
The Law?
Yes, the legislation Moses left Israel.
How would a man “not kill?” By loving those around him … to the extent he would never harm them.
And “not steal?” By loving the property rights of fellow individuals everywhere.
And “not bear false witness?” By loving the reputations of those around you. Also, by loving the truth!
And “not committing adultery?” By realizing that beautiful woman is the mate to her husband … and that bond of love must be maintained at all costs! Loving God’s plan of Marriage enough not to BREAK the covenant involved!
Yes, all the commandments can be obeyed through the spirit of love!
So today’s verse is, well, epochal! “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell