Romans 13:8-10
Do not owe anyone anything except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet (and if there is any other commandment)—are summed up in this statement: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor, so love is the fulfillment of the law.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Send us your Holy Spirit so that we can love others as you have told us to love; through Jesus’ forgiveness and our faith, we can understand the true meaning of love for others. You demonstrated your love for us when you sent your Son to this earth as a part of your plan of salvation. When we were still your enemies, and you sent your Son despite us being hostile towards you. Jesus willingly suffered and died on the cross for us to remove all the hate and sin that separates us from you. Our sinful self wants to continuously chase after anger, hatred, and the desire to do everything for ourselves. But, you instruct us: “love your neighbor as yourself.” No harm can come from loving others: loving your spouse, forgiving others, not holding grudges, or helping someone in need is all love. Love is the fulfillment of all your commandments. But even as Christians, we still need your help. Send us your Holy Spirit to increase our faith through your word and sacraments, so we can love others as you would have us love them. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
Our sin keeps us from loving others the way we should. Jesus has forgiven all your sins, so through faith, love as Jesus loved you.