Devotions:
Read Romans 13:8-10.
Other passages of Scripture tell us that God is love and how Jesus gave one new command to all who would follow him, “Love one another.” Here Paul reminds us how Jesus taught that we are to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This assumes a healthy and positive regard or love for ourselves. For most people, loving ourselves comes pretty easily, and our love for self can grow beyond that into a self-centered and selfish view of life. That is not the way of Jesus! Jesus teaches us instead to care as much for the well-being of others as we care for our own, giving food and clothing, shelter and comfort to those in need. That is how we love our neighbor as ourselves.
If we truly love others as much as we love ourselves, we desire nothing but the best for them. We would never think of murdering them (or their reputations), stealing what is theirs, or wishing their stuff was ours instead. We would never engage in an adulterous affair, hurting our own spouse, the spouse of the other person, and inevitably the other person. Do you see why Jesus, and in this passage Paul, teaches that the whole law is summed up and fulfilled in this command? But it is not easy! Let’s truly love one another for a day, a week, or a month...we will be transformed!
Personal Worship Option:
Forgive me, Almighty God, when I focus too much on me and mine. Help me to see others as your children and as my sisters and brothers. Help me to love my neighbors just as much as I love myself and my own. And when I get discouraged by their lack of appreciation, let me continue to love as you love. Amen.
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