Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

Have you heard of the 10 commandments? Can you name a few? The commandments and other directions from God for how people should live are found in some of the first books of the Bible; Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These commandments and directions are called the Law. God wants to be a part of our lives; we are His creations, created in His image. God wants to be close to you!

But we as humans fall short, just like Adam and Eve, we can not keep God’s commands on our own. We sin against God and do not have that close relationship with Him. But the good news is that Jesus came to help.

When Jesus came, He said, “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17 Jesus came to earth and showed us how to love others. Jesus loved people; He loved the blind men, the lame man, the woman at the well, the children, the tax collectors and even the Pharisees.

Jesus loved all of us. He chose to die on the cross and was resurrected from the dead so that we might have a loving relationship with God the Father and with Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the Law, the commandments, and all other directions from God, with love.

In our verse for today, Paul tells us that we really only have one duty, one thing that we owe to each other. Our duty, just like Jesus, is to love one another. Shine love for other people; for your brothers and sisters, for your parents, for the teacher that isn’t as nice, for the new kid in your class, for your older neighbor next door, and for others you know.

This week, talk with your parents and decide how your family can shine the love of Jesus for others you know. Who needs help? Who might need a kind word? Who needs to know that Jesus loves them, too? Decide on at least two people and shine the love! Follow Jesus’ example and fulfill the Law by loving others.

Blessings and joy as you love others like Jesus did!