Owe nothing to nobody ∙

Owe nothing to nobody ∙

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves others has fulfilled the law. – Romans 13:8

Romans 13:8-10

8 Owe nothing to anyone – except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These – and other such commandments – are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Understanding Persistent Debt

In modern terms, persistent debt typically refers to credit card debt but can extend to other forms of debt as well. Persistent debt occurs when a consumer pays more in interest, fees, and charges than they do toward reducing their balance. Without increasing their payments, they will never pay off their debt.

This issue has become a regulatory concern. Credit card issuers are now required to identify customers who carry persistent debt for over 18 months. The goal is to provide strategies to help these individuals pay down their debt and eventually achieve financial freedom.

A Biblical Perspective on Debt

For children of the King, repaying debts promptly and fulfilling agreements is a moral and spiritual obligation. Freedom from debt is not just a financial goal but a reflection of integrity and stewardship. Becoming debt-free is a noble and worthy aspiration for every child of the King.

However, debt is not limited to financial matters. It also encompasses our priorities and the attitudes of our hearts. Due to our fallen nature, we are naturally selfish and self-centered, self-absorbed, often focusing on protecting and hoarding “what is mine.”

The Lord Jesus Christ addresses this issue in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Paul echoes this sentiment, urging us not to hoard or strive to maximize earthly treasures. Instead, we are called to shift our focus from selfish possessiveness to unselfish giving.

Obligations Beyond Finances

Our responsibilities extend beyond financial obligations. As children of the King, we are called to maintain right relationships with others, including human authorities. This often requires a major paradigm shift in attitude, moving from self-centeredness to a posture of respect, honor, generosity, and unselfish giving.

Romans 13:7 instructs: “Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”

The Debt of Love

While financial debts can and should be repaid, there is one debt that can never be fully paid off: the debt of love.

Romans 13:8 says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.”

This verse can be understood as: “Owe nothing to anyone; but you ought to love one another” (Moo), “Be in debt to no one, except to love one another,” or “Do not be under financial obligations to anyone.”

Our love debt is perpetual. It is not a burden but a calling, a reflection of the Father’s love for us. Unlike financial obligations, this debt grows as it is given, enriching both the giver and the receiver.

A Call to Action

Persistent debt, whether financial or spiritual, can weigh us down. The Scriptures call us to live with integrity, fulfill our obligations, and prioritize eternal treasures over earthly ones. Above all, we are called to embrace the unending debt of love, reflecting the Father’s heart in our relationships and actions.

Let us examine our hearts and align our lives with these principles, striving to live as faithful stewards and loving children of the King.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father places no limit on the obligation for the children of the King to love one another. Love is not an unpaid debt but a continuous, never-ending responsibility and perpetual obligation (Cottrell).

Father, thank You for calling us to love one another unconditionally, just as You loved us when we deserved nothing at all. May our love reflect the boundless grace and mercy You have shown us.

INSIGHT

Our Debt Beyond Money

Debts are not limited to monetary obligations. Each child of the King carries a sin debt, accrued through our thoughts, words, and actions. This debt is so immense that we could never repay it. The Father, in His infinite mercy, knew this and paid our sin debt in full, redeeming us from the power of sin. As a result, we are no longer in debt to the Father.

However, one persistent debt remains on all our accounts. MacDonald asserts, “The one debt that is always outstanding is the obligation to love.”

The Eternal Obligation to Love

This perpetual debt is not a burden but a calling. As Constable explains, “We do have a debt that continues forever. It is our obligation to seek the welfare of our fellow human beings (Romans 8:4). The Mosaic Law required the same thing (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39).”

Love is the fulfillment of the law because God Himself is love. As Stanley notes:
“God is love, and the law reflects God’s character; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. Obedience is never about slavishly following rules, but always about eagerly pleasing a loving God.”

The Power to Love

In the Old Testament, something was missing. While the law demanded love, there was no internal power to make it possible for people to fulfill it. This changed in the New Testament with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit produces love within us, empowering us to love others as God commands.

The Greek word for this type of love is agape—“a selfless, unconditional love.” MacDonald describes it as “A deep, unselfish, superhuman affection that one person has for another. This otherworldly love is not activated by any virtue in the person loved; rather, it is completely undeserved. It goes out not only to the lovable but to one’s enemies as well. It is primarily a matter of the will rather than the emotions. The fact that we are commanded to love indicates that it is something we can choose to do.”

Love in Action: The Colossians’ Example

The children of the King in Colossae exemplified this Spirit-empowered love. Paul, referencing a report from Epaphras, commended their godliness, determination, and love: “He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you” (Colossians 1:8).

While Paul was pleased with their love, he desired even more for them. This motivated him to pray fervently: Colossians 1:9-11 “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy . . ..”

Love: The Foundation of the Christian Life

Love is not merely a command; it is the essence of our faith. It reflects the Father’s character, fulfills His law, and transforms our relationships. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped and enabled to live out the Father’s timeless commission, loving others selflessly and unconditionally, just as He loved us.

As Wiersbe explains: “‘Love one another’ is the basic principle of the Christian life. It is the ‘new commandment’ that Christ gave to us (John 13:34). When we practice love, there is no need for any other laws, because love covers it all! If we love others, we will not sin against them.”

¯_(ツ)_/¯2-27-2

© Dr. H 2025