Love does no harm…

The book of Romans is a book, written by the Apostle Paul, for Romans – that is the people of Rome – to explain that salvation is offered through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

In the opinion of Jesuit scholar Joseph Fitzmyer, the book “overwhelms the reader by the density and sublimity of the topic with which it deals, the gospel of the justification and salvation of Jew and Greek alike by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, revealing the uprightness and love of God the Father.”

N.T. Wright, a British New Testament scholar, said about the book of Romans, “…neither a systematic theology nor a summary of Paul’s lifework, but it is by common consent his masterpiece… What nobody doubts is that we are here dealing with a work of massive substance, presenting a formidable intellectual challenge while offering a breathtaking theological and spiritual vision.”

The book of Romans directs us to adopt a mindset of love and one in which we wait, watch, and work. “We can accomplish this by adopting the mindset which Paul explains in our text. It is a mindset that denies fleshly lusts and refuses to make provision for them. It casts off the evil attitudes and actions which characterized us before our salvation and which are typical of the unbelieving world in which we live.” (goo.gl/Ahq2Er)

So often we study and talk about what love is. Yet, here, Paul is explaining what love is not.

To set the scene for you here: Romans were known for setting Christians on fire, having dogs rip them apart, and of course… crucifying them. These are the people to whom Paul is speaking. 

Can you imagine the level of love and forgiveness that takes? 

In the turbulent world in which we live in – a world in which we turn on the news and are immediately angered at something… someone because of injustice and cruelty, it is at times difficult to balance our battling spirits with God’s commandment to love.

Romans 13:1-7 explains why we can return good for evil to our enemies rather than seeking to retaliate. These verses remind us that all those in power have been ordained of God, and thus carry out their tasks as God’s ministers with His authority. They directly relate to the theme of loving others which precedes and follows Paul’s teaching about human government.

Paul is telling us that if we’re harming our neighbor, we’re not loving them; and, subsequently we are breaking God’s commandment to love.

Today, I encourage you to consider and test an approach of love. When your co-worker is negative, respond with positivity. When your spouse yells, respond with grace and peace. When your government representative does something you disagree with, do as Paul and write a letter. When the news announces yet another unbelievable thing, remember that one cannot expect an unbeliever to act as a believer and then be the believer you wish we would all act as – one who exhibits love, forgiveness, and wisdom. Change the world, one opportunity at the time and teach your children to love.