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, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10 (NRSVUE)
I had to walk around him to get into my car, but his sign caught my eye. It said, “I lost everything.” I had just left a meeting downtown and was on my way to another so I scurried into the driver’s seat - until…tap, tap, tap. No, he wasn’t tapping on my window. It was that pesky Holy Spirit tapping me on my shoulder, whispering, “Can’t you tell this guy’s hungry?” So, with food being my love language, I got back out of my car, looked him in the eye and asked if he’d like a sandwich. His eyes smiled back and then his whole face lit up. We visited a bit about the nice weather and I trotted over to Wendy’s to bring back what he consumed in a matter of moments, like he hadn’t eaten for days. He was kind and grateful and I can still see his face.
You have many more examples of things you do to show God’s love to others, I’m sure. But, this recent encounter hit harder. Perhaps it’s because loving our neighbors seems to be more the exception than the rule these days. Perhaps this moment was more poignant because I’ve made a habit of walking on by when I’m in a hurry. If all the commandments can be summed up in this simple request to love our neighbors as ourselves, you’d think we’d have it down pat. But, until we do, God’s grace gives us a fresh chance each day.
In a few days I turn 66, and the greatest gift I’ve ever received isn’t wrapped in paper - it’s God’s love. The kind of love that’s meant to be shared, even with those not so easy to love. May we keep each other spiritually healthy, paying attention to the Spirit’s nudges along the way. And then dare to love our neighbors with the very love God has poured into us. Because of God’s grace.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you find ways each day to share God’s love with others?
- Do you consider “others” your neighbors?
Prayer:
Thank you, God, for the gift of your grace-filled love. Help us extend that same grace to our neighbors so your love pours out into this world. Amen.
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