law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Romans 13:8-14
This passage of Scripture helps us to understand how we are to treat others. How we interact with people is a chief consideration of the apostle. Let us examine them today.
Paul’s teaching on Christian conduct, among other doctrines, is important in this passage. The preeminent directive that should govern our relationships is love. We owe it to one another to love each other as Christ has loved us. (John 13:34)
All of God’s commandments are summed up in Paul’s statement in verse 10 which states “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Jesus himself taught us that whole of the law is summed up in the statements “love God and love others.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Love does not harm. Rather, it lifts up, encourages, and comforts us in the truth.
Our lives on earth are brief and passing quickly. Verses 11-14 implore us to wake up, live in the light, and take advantage of our time. We should live properly and not behave according to our old nature. Our time is short and our salvation is near. May the Lord help us to live for Christ and avoid the temptations of our flesh. We should redeem the time knowing that the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Treat others well, child of God. It’s the least we can do.
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 