Redeemed and Rewritten - Part XIII

Scripture: 
“Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet; and any other commandment are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:8-10 CSB)

Observation: 
What a mighty word delivered by Pastor Julius on Sunday! Romans chapter 13 is a clear reminder that, above all, love is our primary duty and walking in love is the greatest fulfillment of God’s law—the law—which reigns above all other governing authorities. God’s word tells us that if we love our “neighbors” in our thoughts, in our speech, and in our actions, we will find it far easier to submit to other authorities, even governing authorities, who are directly appointed by God.
The dictionary and most of society think of a “neighbor” as someone who lives close by, but God stretches that definition widely in Romans 13. Paul shows us that genuine love toward all is the ultimate guide rail. If you truly love someone, you wouldn’t do anything to harm them. This doesn’t mean just family and friends, and it doesn’t mean just avoiding major sins, like murder, stealing, or adultery, but that you love your neighbors enough not to act in a way that might be even a small nuisance, hindrance, or burden to them. You would be more conscious of how your actions could affect others. 
For example: We wouldn’t turn our music up loudly to disturb our neighbor or take advantage of shared community spaces. When we commit to serving or volunteering, we would follow through on that commitment, show up on time, and not put an extra burden on those around us by showing up late. Simply put, we would be courteous to those around us. “Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.” Romans 13:5

Application: 
If we think beyond just the person directly affected by our choice to follow the second greatest commandment, to love one another, we begin to see things more clearly. We can either be the blessing or the burden. Choosing love is an opportunity to be a blessing to the neighbors next to us. Similarly, this helps us fulfill the great commission of going into all the world to spread the love and salvation of Jesus. 
Throughout the rest of this week, let’s ask ourselves: Am I being a good neighbor? Am I respecting the peace of others by fulfilling God’s law in loving all of my neighbors with my thoughts, words, and actions? Could I possibly be causing hindrances, annoyances, burdens, or strife? Am I cutting corners with things to make it easier for me but harder for someone else? Am I a blessing to my Pastors and leaders by supporting them and protecting their peace, trusting that they are appointed by God to keep watch over our souls? (Hebrews 13:17 CSB)

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the greatest expression of love—salvation through Jesus. Jesus, help me to be more like you in my thoughts, speech, and actions, so I can continually grow in fulfilling the greatest expression of Your law—love. I desire only to be Your shining light for others. I lift up my Pastors, my church leaders, my family, friends, and my neighbors all over the world, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.