Today's Verse: Romans 13:8

Friday, April 16, 2010

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
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

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 1:18-10). 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.
* Romans 5:5; John 7:37-39.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

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 Friday, April 16, 2010

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Hebrews 5:8
"We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being perfect,..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'You Have Seen My Troubles' (Ps. 31:7-8)
"I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'They Do Not Have the Spirit!' (Jude)
"[The apostles] told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Would You Like to Get Well?' (Jn. 5:5-7)
"One of the men lying [by the pool of Bethesda] had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he....."

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.

More Today's Verse