Have you ever felt obligated to love someone? In one of my translations, this was spelled out as the “debt of love for others.” Interesting. Jesus wants us to love one another, and Paul reminds us of that here. To love your neighbor as you love yourself.
The debt of love starts with Jesus. His great love for us was poured out when he sacrificed his life for ours. We can never repay Jesus for what he did for us, so we obey him and love others. If we’re having trouble loving ourselves just now, remember to love as Jesus taught us, to love others as he has loved us.
Paul warns us here that time is running out. We must be ready. Many years have passed since Paul wrote these words, yet we still look forward to the imminent return of Jesus. We want to be ready. We want to be clean. I liked the image of shedding dirty clothes. We can all think of habits and tendencies in our lives that aren’t helpful. What are you doing to avoid evil and step into the light?
When people look at you, who do they see? Do they see an imperfect person striving to be better? Do they see behavior they shake their head at? Do they see an abundance of right living? It’s easy to fall into the trap the world sets for us. When we aren’t actively working on being the best version of ourselves, it is easy to fall prey to lies. Just as Eve fell for the devil’s scheme in the garden and ate the apple, we can make choices that aren’t consistent with God’s plan for us, too.
So, how does it work? Paul gives us some great advice. “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” That sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? We need to be more aware of Jesus. We can meet him through the words of Scripture. We can talk to him through our times of prayer and meditation. We can be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power. We can control our thoughts with his help.
First, we need to uncover the areas in our life that are bringing us down. That may take a little time, especially if you are in denial like me! Have you examined your life recently? Are you living in the light or are you chasing after the darkness? Take some time today to really be honest with yourself and dig down deep. Jesus’ sacrifice was for you. His blood has cleansed you. How are you going to respond?
Let’s pray. Lord, I want to love as you love. Help me to be more open to your leading. May I control my selfish heart and earnestly seek to run from evil. Help me in making good choices. Watch over those whom I love and guard their hearts as well from evil schemes. Clothes us in your righteousness. Thank you for the cross and what you’ve done for me. May I shine with you, my resurrected Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
