Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. (NIV)

Romans 13 builds on a theme Paul introduced in chapter 12 for the Christians in Rome. He challenges them to consider, "Now that we have received God's great mercy, how should we live in Christ?" His response is that we should live as living sacrifices dedicated to God's service. The verse in question further elaborates on one aspect of this way of life. Personally, I also explored this passage and the subsequent verses in The Message paraphrase, which offers a contemporary rephrasing of these verses: “Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don’t sleep with another person’s spouse, don’t take someone’s life, don’t take what isn’t yours, don’t always be wanting what you don’t have, and any other “don’t” you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love” (Rom. 13:8-10 MSG). Wow!! That is a powerful statement!

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The instruction to owe no one anything is not a prohibition against borrowing money in all circumstances. Instead, it urges that debts should be promptly settled and not allowed to linger. This implies fulfilling financial obligations punctually according to agreed terms, thereby avoiding a life marked by ongoing indebtedness, borrowing, or unreliability.

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Paul's primary focus, however, extends beyond financial matters, as the subsequent verses reveal. His central concern is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to demonstrate love toward others, including our neighbors. He suggests that loving others is a continuous commitment—a debt that can never be fully repaid. The obligation to love remains ongoing, suggesting an endless cycle of giving and receiving love among believers.  

This whole sermon series is called “A Deeper Life through Generosity,” but I think Paul’s point in this verse is less about financial things and more about generosity of a different kind. As The Message verses above show, our real debt is the debt of love. How does continuing to pay our debt to love others fulfill the law? Paul refers back to what Jesus said in Mark 12 when asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” He responded that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors (Mark 12:29–31).  

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Paul challenges us to devote ourselves to pouring out love to others from the abundance of love that Christ has shown us. This is our response to the debt we owe. But note, God didn’t say to love others because they earned it or deserve it. Love is a free gift we give, just as we received this free gift from God. Go give that gift away today. You will be surprised how it changes your perspective. As this verse says, “You can’t go wrong when you love others.”

Dear God, your mercy and love have been abundantly shown to us, despite our unworthiness. Through your Word, you guide us in responding to your gracious gift of life in a manner that honors you. May we not merely read these words but embody them in our lives. You call us to love others as you have loved us. Grant us a glimpse of your enduring love, that we may grasp its true meaning and follow your path.  In Jesus’ name, amen.