In a world of fast money and credit cards, indebtedness seems to be the order of the day. It is not restricted to individuals or businesses, as most if not all the world’s countries have immense debts – some which will remain outstanding for generations to come. But, when we find that the borrower is subject to the lender, there is a sense in which indebtedness is not the best way to live. Isn’t that why we ask only for our daily bread? God, however, doesn’t mind if one particular debt remains outstanding. Yes, you guessed it. It’s the debt of Love. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Romans 13:8 NIV
[8] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
An Ongoing Debt
This Pauline command invites us to regard love not only as a debt, but an ongoing debt; alluding to Y’shua Jesus’ statement that Love – of God, neighbour, and self – is the greatest commandment. As one who practically profited from, or (who at the very least) was a professional Hater, one could argue that this was proof of Paul’s true transformation. Being able to see love as The Most Important of all the Law is a major accomplishment. By that, we know Paul’s conviction was as deep as his prior attitude.
Self-Check
Can others see the transformation in us that results from God’s presence in our lives? Is there need for further ongoing work within us by God’s Spirit? (Ouch!)
Application
Within the Jewish tradition, there was scope for loans, but it was somewhat temporary. Remember the jubilee principle? It is based on the concept of the Sabbath. In Deuteronomy 15:1-2 and verse 9, Moses was offered the blueprint for loans and debts that many argue is still practised by Jews today. Loans had a 7-year lifespan. In fact, the Law was clear, ‘At the end of every seven years, you shall grant a release (remission, pardon) from debt. This is the regulation for the release: every creditor shall forgive what he has loaned to his neighbour; he shall not require payment from his neighbour and his brother, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed.
Beware that there is no wicked thought in your heart saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release (remission, pardon) is approaching’, and your eye is hostile (unsympathetic) toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing [since he would have to repay you]; for he may cry out to the Lord against you, and it will become a sin for you.’ [emphasis mine].
Siblings that was no laughing matter. In fact, that was the premise for prosperity. While that is referring to loans, rather, to lending; we can see that debt accumulation wasn’t likely to be encouraged.
Paul’s command, however, suggests that Love, as a debt, is the exception to the rule. Love is always owed – even after the jubilee. When we consider that this Pauline command follows the conversation about love and spiritual gifts in the previous chapter, we realize that it is a very big deal. He does the same thing in his letter to the Corinthians. Chapter 12 speaks to spiritual gifts, and 13 is an entire thesis on Love, God’s way.
It leaves me to wonder about myself and all of us, ‘Are we fulfilling the two most compelling commandments?’ Do we have extremely outstanding debts?
Point to Ponder
What do we need to do in order that we might live love today?
May all we seek be found in Christ
