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Each generation brings with it its own peculiar problems. These are not solved for us
in a ready-made fashion in Rom. 13: The principles, however, are given, and these
must be applied in the light of the truth as the occasion demands. Above all we must
keep prominently in mind that spirit of Christian charity which pervades this section like
incense, and that spirit of conciliation that is but the reflection to external enemies of the
grace that has brought us nigh.
#75. Romans 12: and 13:
Love, the Fulfilling of the Law (13: 8-10).
The Armour of Light (13: 11-14).
pp. 69 - 73
In correspondence with the member B | 12: 3-16: "Grace given",
we have
B | 13: 8-10: "Law fulfilled."
B | 13: 8-10. | h | Owe no man anything.
i | Love one another.
j | Love fulfils the law.
h | Thou shalt not commit . . . . .
i | Love thy neighbour as thyself.
j | Love fulfils the law.
Arising out of our obligation to "render to all their dues", comes the precept: "Owe no
man anything."
It is sad to see how careless many believers are with regard to the question of debt.
While it is true that modern business could hardly be conducted without "credit", the
believer, in all his affairs, should be careful to keep a tender conscience in relation to this
matter. If, for any reason, a debt has been contracted, everything possible should be done
to quickly repay it. It is sad to think that many a Christian would profit by the advice of
Polonius:
"Neither a borrower, nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry"
(Hamlet 1. 3:).
Turning again to the structure, we find that the fulfilling of the law by love is given a
prominent place--an argument that comes again in Gal. 5: 14. As the Apostle draws
near to the end of his life, we find him placing more and more emphasis upon "love".
Describing the last days in his epistle to Timothy (II Tim. 3: 1-4), he says that "men
shall be lovers of their own selves" (philautoi), "covetous" (philarguroi: literally,
"lovers of money"), "despisers of those that are good" (aphilagathoi: literally, "not
loving the good"), "lovers of pleasure (philedonoi), rather than lovers of God