The Law of Love
Romans 13:8-14
When we think about all the characteristics that make up the Christian life, there are many things that come to mind
We might think about things like Faith; Peace; Joy; Gentleness; Kindness; Hope; Church; Fellowship
But the one characteristic that sums up the Christian life is “love”
Paul says that we, as believers, should always remember to live by The Law of Love
This morning I want us to look at these three things about the law of love:
- Love never ends
- Love fulfills the commandments
- Love can be seen by others
Read passage / Pray
Trans: Paul says basically that we are to pay our debts, as we saw two weeks ago, but he says here that no matter how much you pay…
1. Love Never Ends
We are a debt driven society…we are the most indebted people in the world
And if we are good stewards…we will eventually pay off our creditors that we owe the debt to
But Paul says here that we will never pay off the debt of loving others
The main difference that separates Christianity from all other world religions is this law of love
God’s word is full of telling us to love others…why? Because people are able to see God in us when we love them
The very first thing God says we are to do is to LOVE HIM with all of our hearts, souls, minds and spirits
Listen, 1 John 4:8 says “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”
Love is the real test of genuine Christianity and salvation
1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death”
In other words – if you don’t have love – you are still just a dead man without life
1 John 3:10 “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister”
Why do we owe the debt of love? Because of the cross – Jesus first loved us – more than His own life
1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!...”
He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay
We should show His love to others because He first loved us…and that debt will never be paid until we reach glory
Trans: Secondly, Paul says that if we will show love to others…
2. Love Fulfills God’s Commandments
You want to be pleasing to God…Keep His commandments
How can I keep His commandments, by loving God and others
In Matt 22:37-40 “Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”
Paul echoes that in vs 9-11 (read)
Notice he sums up all of the commandments that talk about how to treat others
- Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet
If you love others as you should in Christ, you will easily fulfill these commandments
Not saying it’s easy – can I get a witness – but it is a command to do it with the strength and help of the Holy Spirit
Paul says “love does no harm” in this passage but we know he expounds on that in the love chapter 1 Cor 13 (turn there)
Vs 1 – 3 talks about the religious aspect of works – none of that matters if you don’t first love people
Vs 4-13 he goes on to tell the “how” aspect of loving people
If we will love others, we will fulfill God’s commandments
Trans: Lastly, Paul says that when we do love…
3. It Can Be Seen By Others
Love in and of itself is a verb – it is an action word
John 13 Jesus begins with a great act of love towards his disciples by taking a basin and towel and washing their feet
Feet are pretty nasty – AMEN – and yet Jesus sets forth the greatest example by taking what might be considered the dirtiest part of the body and washing it
Further in vs 34-35 Jesus says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
In other words, we should be able to see your love in action
James says that through our works – our faith can be seen – and through our service – others will see our love for them
John 21:16 Jesus asked Peter “Do you truly love me? Take care of my sheep!”
Jesus was saying, I will be able to see your love through service to my sheep
Story of the Man of 6th Street in Austin (Pizza) & Woman at Mardi Gras ($10)
People don’t really care how you know until they know how much you care!
Your words of love will be as sounding brass and tingling cymbals without your demonstration of love
The most powerful speech you have for Christ will be spoken through your actions of love
Conclusion
If we are truly saved – truly have believed on Christ – then we will exhibit the Law of Love in our lives
We do this by realizing that
1. Love Never Ends – we are indebted forever to show love
2. Love Fulfills God’s Commandments
3. Love Can Be Seen By Others – they will know we are His disciples
Can others see God in you by your actions of love?
Love is contagious and it will spread like wildfire if we will be the spark
1 John 4:12 tells us why it is important to love people
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us”
Pray
