During these turbulent, tumultous times, God remains at work all around us. In making my rounds as a workplace chaplain, people share stories with me testifying to how God is working in their lives daily. As a ministry leader, I often have a front row seat to witnessing faith at work. While life has its challenges and people can magnify our difficulties and shortcomings, I strive to love my neighbor as I should and as Scripture commands I must.
Romans 13:8, NIV: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8, ESV: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8, NASB Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
At initial glance it may seem like Scripture merges with Edward D Jones to make Edward D Jesus. But this verse isn’t about not borrowing money or credit card debt. Jesus isn’t giving us financial advice. It’s about obligation. Duty. Responsibility.
The primary transaction that is central to our walk as believers is an obligation to love. Love God. Love others.
Just as we are called to be good citizens of this place, our temporary home, we are to be good neighbors who demonstrate love to others, because Christ first loved us, and through the supernatural ability and capacity to love fueled in us by the Holy Spirit.
Who is your neighbor? Anyone different than you-anyone who is not you. They don’t look like you, walk like you, talk like you, or even believe like you.
They aren’t you.
Respond in all situations and circumstances with the abundant, abounding ability and power to love that Christ purchased for you and me through his death, burial, resurrection, and accession.
Trust God is at work all around them just as He is at work all around you and that it’s our job to point people to Christ through our thoughts, words, and actions. We point. Holy Spirit delivers. Jesus saves. The Father welcomes once lost souls home.
Who does God welcome?
All who repent from the ways of their own will and believe in the power and name of Jesus. That includes me. That includes you. It includes everyone who is willing to turn from their old ways and turn to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Through His atoning work on the Cross, Jesus paid it all.
In Christ, we find the capacity to love abundantly.
Repent and believe.
Go in peace.
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The Devotional Guy™ 
I like your thought about who is my neighbor. My neighbor is anyone who is not like me.
Also, we simply point to Christ, He is the one who saves.
An excellent devotional. Blessings.
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Thank you, David. I’m glad to know my words hit the spot. Have a great weekend!
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Really appreciate the song you included with today’s post.
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Thanks, Beth. I like it a lot, too. Appreciate you reading my blog.
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