Rom 13:8-10 | MHM | STEP | v. 8 : Paul continues, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another (Romans 13:8 ). The only debt that should always remain is the debt of love. Love is not optional; it is something God commands. When we truly love others, we are following God’s law. Love includes all the duties we have toward people. If we love others, we will treat them kindly and fairly. God is love (1 John 4:16 ). Love should shape our actions and attitudes every day.

‏ Romans 13:8-10

v. 8: Paul continues, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another (Romans 13:8 ^a). The only debt that should always remain is the debt of love. Love is not optional; it is something God commands. When we truly love others, we are following God’s law. Love includes all the duties we have toward people. If we love others, we will treat them kindly and fairly. God is love (1 John 4:16 ^b). Love should shape our actions and attitudes every day.

v. 9: Paul gives examples from the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not covet . He says all these are summed up in the command, You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18 ^c). If you love your neighbor as yourself, you will not want to harm them in any way. True brotherly love is not just about feelings, but about wanting good for others and protecting their well-being.

v. 10: Paul sums it up: Love works no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10 ^d). If we have real love in our hearts, we will not plan or do anything bad to others (Micah 2:1 ^e). Instead, we will try to do good whenever possible (Proverbs 3:27-29 ^f). Love is active and leads us to obey all of God’s commands. If we have the law of love in our hearts, we are truly living out God’s law.