We Are to Love One Another

Ernest Hemingway was once asked if he could write a story in six words. His response: “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” When I read this, I tried to fill in the details. Were the shoes not needed by the child? Was there a tragic loss? Was there something that would require God’s love and comfort? What kind of story would you write using these six words?

God’s story in the Bible has a central theme. God created all things. Mankind fell into sin. Jesus came to earth and died and rose again to save us from our sins. Now we await His return and the restoration of all things.

Romans 13 describes the response Christians should have toward governing authorities, which includes submitting to them and paying taxes. Verse 8 says we are to “let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” By doing this we fulfill the law in verses 9 & 10, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Paul tells us an additional reason we are to love and why we are to follow the principles of godly living in chapters 12 – 13. “Because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” is found in chapter 13:11. Verses 13 and 14 instruct us to “behave decently” and “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Knowing what has come before and what lies ahead shows us how we should live. Romans 13:12 tells us that if Jesus is restoring His creation from evil, we must “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Verses 8 through 10 teach us to turn from sin and choose to love God and others well.

Let us look around and see the needs in our surroundings. Let’s seek the wounded and weeping and share God’s justice, love, and comfort as God guides us.

Prayer – May God’s story shine bright in our lives this day. Father, may Your kingdom come and may it come in me.  Amen.

Romans 13:12 – “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Canva, Wes Hicks/Unsplash & Canva