Why should we owe no man anything except to love one another (Romans 13:8)?

Answer

In Romans 13:8, Paul states that we should “owe no one anything except to love one another” (NKJV). He further explains that “whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (verse 8) and that all the commandments from the Old Testament are summarized in the command to love your neighbor as yourself (verse 9). Essentially, believers fulfill God’s commands by showing respect and love to one another.

In the immediate context, Paul instructs the Christian to “let no debt remain outstanding” “Owe no one anything, except to love one another: for whoever loves another has fulfilled the law.”, (Romans 13:8). Christians are urged to fulfill all their obligations, whether they are taxes, debts, or any other responsibilities. Paul then emphasizes that the only debt a Christian should have is the debt of love towards one another. This universal debt is ongoing and cannot be fully repaid. Christians are called to love not only their fellow believers but all individuals created by God.

In Matthew 22:34–40, Jesus emphasized that loving one another is the most crucial commandment to follow. When approached by the Pharisees in an attempt to test Him with a challenging question, Jesus was asked by an expert in the law, “What is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus responded by referencing Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, which instructed the Israelites to prioritize loving God above all and loving their neighbors as themselves. Both Jesus and Paul teach that the fundamental duty of a believer is to love God and others.

We should refrain from owing anyone anything except love for one another because this is the path God has chosen for us. Instead of judgment and punishment for our sins, God chose to show us love by sacrificing His Son, Jesus.

Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins. Due to this sacrifice, we have an eternal debt to God, which we repay by loving Him and loving others.

It can be challenging for believers to live out the command of owing no one anything except love. We may diligently fulfill our duties, settle debts, and give each person their due. However, expressing the love we owe is more difficult; it often seems we lack love as a resource. We may become irritated with others, have disagreements, or simply not enjoy being in their company. Nevertheless, in John 13:35, Jesus states that the world “will recognize you as my disciples if you love one another” (see also John 17:25-26). When we choose to overlook our interpersonal difficulties and concentrate on loving one another, we demonstrate the characteristics of disciples and reveal to the world the nature of God’s love.

Therefore, we should owe no one anything except love because love is the supreme commandment. It satisfies the law and reveals to the world the essence of God.