Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)
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.
This paragraph follows the preceding section with no break. Everyone is to be paid what is owed to them. Accounts are to be kept clear, whether the debt is taxes, tolls, respect or honor. The only debt that can never be paid off is the debt of love, because to love our neighbor as ourselves is God’s commandment and that must be done continually if it is to be done correctly.
Love for others is not about feelings, it is about actions. Love for myself has nothing to do with feelings. If I am hungry, I feed myself. That action is self-love. If I am thirsty, I drink something. That action is self-love. If I am cold, I put on a sweater or coat, or I go inside where it is warmer. That action is self-love. Self-love is also shown by doing no harm to myself. If I intentionally damage myself, that is not self-love, but self-hatred.
In the same way, love for others is about action, not feelings. Love for others avoids at all costs doing harm to others, regardless of feelings or lack of feelings. Instead, it does positive good. If someone is hungry, I feed them. That action is love for others. If they are thirsty, I give them something to drink. That action is love for others. If they are cold, I give them a sweater or a coat, or I invite them inside where it is warmer. That action is love for others.
As said before, such actions can and should be taken without regard to feelings. It is God’s clear command to love others in this way and is an important avenue for the spread of the gospel. Since these actions don’t depend on feelings for their effectiveness, they can be performed for a friend or family member, but they can be performed just as effectively for strangers, and even for enemies, heaping burning coals on their heads as their needs are seen, recognized, and responded to in love (Romans 12:20-21).
Father, this can often seem so hard, but, especially with Your power behind it, it is really quite simple. If I see a need in someone else that I can and would meet in myself, I must meet that need, regardless of who they are. No pre-qualifications, no excuses, and no fear. We don’t’ have to make a big production out of it. In fact, Jesus taught us to do these acts of goodness quietly, out of the public eye, and without drawing attention to our actions (Matthew 6:1-4). If we do it properly, our loving actions will not boost our own image or reputation, but will be a powerful witness to those on the receiving end, drawing them closer to You and Your kingdom. Help me, Lord, to live out this truth today. Amen.