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 Romans 13 - The Royal Law: Love

When in doubt, love, be loving.  “If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law” (13:8).  Let’s repeat that, it’s worth memorizing.  LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.  Put it on a cup.  Place it on a T-shirt, or a framed picture - a corporate compliance code!  Christians make up so many man-made rules and regulations.  So-called smart people ask whether or not the Jewish regulations apply to us as Christ's followers, and wonder whether Jesus fulfilled the law.  They call certain foods and drinks unclean and untouchable although God has called them clean.  They write on their websites that God’s word is inerrant then they call it incorrect.  Who should we follow?  God, or these hypocrites?

This passage makes it clear.  Jesus fulfilled the law.  All of it.  Its purpose was to show us our sins.   When we are new creations in Christ through belief in Christ, we are not condemned for violating rules or regulations.  We are declared righteous by what Jesus did for us on the cross.  We are now under the new covenant of Jesus Christ, a higher and better law.  

Paul tells us here that the matter is “urgent.”  That we must “wake up” (13:11).  So that’s my prayer for myself and for you today, let us put love into action today.  

Lord Jesus, let us live good and decent lives today.  Let us work hard to put love into action with kind words, acts of service, and living lives of goodness and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Amen.




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