Verse of the Day - Romans 13:8

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. ~ Romans 13:8 (NIV)

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We all hope to be debt-free someday, don't we? Get the house paid off, get finished with all the college loans, no car payment or credit card debt. No one wants to be strapped down with payments when the income levels off, and eventually becomes fixed. That's where we need to be heading with our finances, if we're wise. Racking up debt is a like 5 water hazards and 6 sand traps on a 458-yard par 3 hole of golf! (psst...if you don't play golf, that's okay...just know that would be a HARD hole to play without needing a mulligan....or two....or three! For me, I'd just go sit in the golf cart and take the highest score; I mean, really, is there any need for me to even tee up?!? :-)

But God says there is one debt that, not only do we never get out of, but we shouldn't try -- the debt of love. Perhaps that is a weird concept for you, to owe love to others. How many times have you said to someone or thought to yourself, in a moment of anger, "I don't owe you ANYTHING!" Ah, but you do. Rats! Don't you hate it when God pulls the 'love' card on us?!?

Loving people isn't always easy; in fact, it is often very difficult. Difficult people in a difficult world, dealing with difficult emotions under difficult circumstances. Love them, God says. Be My hands and feet, He says.

And maybe you're the difficult person who is being loved on right now. God may be ministering to you through others during your season of difficultness and/or difficulty. Praise God for the debt of love that others owe! Otherwise, when we're in need of love, we would be bankrupt...with no bailout.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ~Jesus, in Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Love,
Joelene