NELSON NOLAND
Romans 13 teaches that Christians are called to show love to the people around them. The passage explains that faith is not only about knowing what is right, but also about how we live each day. Being a good neighbour matters everywhere. It matters at home, at the store, on the job, and in the community. God expects His people to respond to others with care, even when it is not easy.
Doesn’t this tell us that love is an ongoing responsibility. Financial debts should be handled wisely, but there is one debt that never disappears, the debt of love. When followers of Jesus see a need and can help, love calls them to act. People who do not think like us or live like us are still neighbours. Differences in culture, age, politics, or lifestyle do not remove the command to love.
The passage lists commandments such as not stealing, not committing adultery, and not coveting. These rules show how love behaves. Love does not harm another person. Love seeks their good. Loving others is a clear way to follow what God commands. When believers treat those nearby with kindness and fairness, they reflect the heart of God.
Christians are urged to live with urgency. Life is short and the time to do good is now. The future return of Christ draws closer every day, so believers should stay awake, alert, and ready to serve. Good news is only good if it is shared in time. A neighbour may need help or hope today, and delaying may mean a lost opportunity.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
The Scripture warns against living in darkness. Believers should not fall into habits that lead away from God, such as drunkenness, sexual sin, jealousy, and constant conflict. These actions damage relationships and weaken our ability to love. Instead, Christians are called to live in the light, choosing honesty, purity, peace, and right behaviour. The world notices when love replaces selfish actions.
Finally, the passage says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This means living each day with intention, allowing Christ to shape our choices. We should avoid situations that encourage sin and make decisions that help us follow God. Loving our neighbours is not only physical help, but also spiritual care. It means praying for them, sharing faith, and being present when life becomes difficult. When trouble comes, people often look to the neighbour who lives with hope and peace.
God places every person where they are for a reason. By living compassionately, urgently, rightly, excellently, and spiritually, Christians play a part in healing the hurt found in the world.
Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
Romans 15:2
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