Romans 13: 8-14
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
A Thought
Paul is writing to the people in Rome (also to us today) who have received the grace and gift of righteousness found in Jesus Christ. The man who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law and will do them no harm. It is time to wake up, to put on the armor of light and to behave in a decent manner. Christ died to fulfill the law with his love and shed blood for our deliverance from sexually immorality, dissension, jealousy and wild living. We must all continue daily with our mind on the love of Christ as we put on his armor of light for the world to see his love in us for them.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for giving hope and deliverance from the desires of our flesh. Help us to keep our minds centered on your word that we may be clothed in the righteousness of Christ filled with your love and mercy. Awaken us by the power of your Spirit to be ready when Jesus returns for all who have received his love and forgiveness. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
