Has anybody ever lent you something like a book and told you it would change your life? What usually happens is that it goes to the bottom of my pile of books I am reading or in a pile, I will never read. The problem is that the person will constantly ask me what I think of the book. Then they ask for it back, and I usually can’t find it. It is better to owe nothing but love to people.
Romans 13:8
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”
It Just Gets Weird
Things get weird when we borrow from others, especially those who are close to us. There is a cloud hanging over your relationship even if the lender is totally fine with you. Paul encourages us to owe nothing but love. Everything else will bring grief and could cause serious damage. Obviously, there are times where you are in a bind, and someone is willing to help out, but for the most part, you should avoid borrowing anything except your father in laws tools because that is expected and approved by God.
Be Free of Any Bond
Paul’s main point is to be free from any bond so that you can love others freely. You want to be able to serve others solely based on what the Holy Spirit puts on your heart. Love is something that is supposed to be given without any strings attached. Just a Jesus loved you first, while you were still a sinner, you should love those around you.
Owe Nothing But Love
When you love your neighbor, you are in alignment with the will of God. Besides loving God with everything you have, there is no higher calling. As you begin to love freely, it transforms your heart. You no longer judge people but see them as created by God and extended the same grace that was given to you. Owe nothing but love.