September 1, 2020
This week’s Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Romans 13:8-10: Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. (NRSV)
Let’s just cut to the chase. Let’s get to core of the matter. Let’s determine what is the essence! So what does Paul say that is? Love! Love does no wrong to a neighbor (and of course, Jesus determines who is the neighbor - and it’s not the person next door). That seems the perfect way to sum up the command of loving your neighbor as yourself - love does no wrong.
Now, Luther might add that it also means to cast the best light on, and fight for, your neighbor, but first things first. Do no wrong. No envy. No stealing. No speaking wrongly. After all, how do we love ourselves? We take care of ourselves - feed ourselves, clothe ourselves, educate ourselves, etc. So do to our neighbor as to ourselves puts it somewhat into perspective, doesn't it!? Hmmm….
Blessings. And prayers.
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