“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
In life, we often encounter debts that seem endless, like a lifelong mortgage or an everlasting credit card balance. But the Bible speaks of a more profound debt—one beyond repayment. It’s the debt of love and forgiveness. This debt we are expected to gladly keep paying for life!
Paul’s analogy of ‘owing love’ is not uncommon in the Bible. Take the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35. A servant’s insurmountable debt is forgiven, yet he withholds forgiveness from another. We’ve received unearned forgiveness and must extend it to others. It’s love and God’s grace shared. The Bible reveals a ‘debt of love.’ God’s immeasurable love forms our faith’s foundation. Respond by sharing love, mirroring His boundless affection.
“Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:7-8
We recognize our incapacity to repay God’s love and forgiveness. Through His grace, we must emulate His character. In forgiving and loving, we must mirror His grace and love.
Let us remember these unrepayable debts. As God forgives us, forgive others. As we can’t repay His love, love others. Embrace this divine cycle of love and grace. Today, show love and mercy to someone whom you would otherwise regard as not deserving it. Christ actually says we owe the debt of love even to our enemy.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matt 5:44.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk