One Obligation
This week the weather will make us eager for spring. After many days of snow and colder temps, we will be enjoying more “spring-like” temps here in Colorado. I was able to return to the fitness center for a workout and get in some routines that I have not utilized in recent visits. This week brings a few more meetings into my schedule than last week, so I will keep busy with a variety of activities and appointments.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else”—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.” Romans 13:8-10
In the Book of Romans, Paul talks a lot about the law, sin, grace and forgiveness. In the verses above we find Paul admonishing believers about their main duty or obligation. He says, “you are under obligation to no one, but you are obligated to love..”
Jesus said, Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and loving your neighbors as yourself are the two greatest commandments. It is these commands that enable us to fulfill the law. This is not having warm, fuzzy feelings about everybody. We need to remember that the biblical concept of love is that which is borne out in our actions. How we treat each others, even those who are opposed to us.
It is love that compels us, obligates us to be patient, kind, to forgive and not keep records of wrong. It is love that keeps us from pride and envy and putting others down in an attempt to lift ourselves up.
Paul also reminds us that, “Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another.” (Romans 12:9, 10)
When we love God, we are motivated to obey Him, stay close to Him and to guard our lives so we will not dishonor His name.
Just as obeying the law is not possible through human strength and willpower, fulfilling the obligation to love is not in our nature. We need the Lord’s help in this area as much as any other part of our life. And the Lord has richly responded in a way to help us. Paul tell us, “….God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
The Ten Commandments are the foundation of the law. But even more basic and easier to remember is our obligation to love God and to love one another. And we can be confident of the Lord’s help to accomplish this as we trust in Him.