Above All Laws

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8 (ESV)

It is not what you do that truly matters—however useful or remarkable the action may be—but rather the underlying intention and motive that define its significance. Some people, eager to prove to everyone that they are true, Bible-obeying Christians, throw themselves into a multitude of activities. Yet, they often end up quitting or complaining about having done too much. Frequently, after exhausting themselves in the task without receiving the slightest recognition from those they served, they grumble and easily give up.

In this passage, Paul seeks to show that if we perform certain actions simply because they are required, we do not always do them willingly. However, we can go beyond mere obligations to achieve much more. When he states that we owe no one anything except love—and that the one who loves their neighbor fulfills the law—he implies that by loving our neighbor, we will ensure we never harm them. And if we were ever to hurt them, we would offer sincere apologies, pained at having wounded someone dear to us.

Why, then, does he say that love for one's neighbor fulfills God's law? If we consider the laws prescribed by God—apart from those governing our relationship with Him—their purpose is to protect others and avoid causing harm: "do not steal," "do not kill," "do not speak ill of your neighbor," and so on. The only thing capable of truly preventing us from inflicting such harm is loving someone with all our heart. If you manage to love your neighbor with all your heart, not only do you fulfill the law, but you also radiate God's glory around you. Love dispels all negative feelings.

May God grant you His grace and His favor.