Today's Verse: Romans 13:8

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
— Romans 13:8
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus paid the debt we owed God for our sins, trespasses, and rebellious actions (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 1:8-10). Thank God we no longer owe the debt for those transgressions because of God's grace (Romans 6:23). However, I do owe others the love, respect, forgiveness, and grace that God has lavished on me (Ephesians 4:32). As Paul reminded us yesterday:
Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7)
Why is this so important? We are to keep paying installments on the "continuing debt to love one another" as Jesus has loved us!

My Prayer...

Holy God, everything in heaven and earth is yours, yet you have graciously shared them with us, your children. We thank you for not just purchasing us from our debt to sin, but also for buying us out of our slavery to that sin, and to the evil one, death, and hell. Open our hearts to the realization that you own us, yet love us freely and forgive us completely. Please kindle love in our hearts through the refreshing power of the Holy Spirit that you pour into our hearts, enabling us to love others as you have loved us. In Jesus' name, we pray and commit to love. Amen.

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9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Only One Debt
Devo: Together in Christ
"Owe nothing to anyone — except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law."
Cancel Your Debt
Illustration of Romans 13:8
Inspirational illustration of Romans 13:8 -- 8   Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
No Debt Except . . .
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, senior partner in my business, Help me get completely out of debt and stay out! Let me follow your word, "Owe no man anything! . . ...."
The Debt of Love
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, I owe love to my fellow man, as you have said. What an endless debt! How can I keep your command to love my neighbor as myself? What..."
See All 9 Related Resources about Romans 13:8

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 13:8 — Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 16, 2006

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Without Limit' (Jn. 3:34-35)
"For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. "
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Proof We've Moved from Death to Life'
"If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead......"
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 5:21
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Exodus 3:7
"The child is cheered as he sings, "This my father knows"; and shall not we be comforted as we discern that our dear Friend and tender soul-husband..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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