Long ago the Beatles sang, “All you need is love.” Even longer ago, St. Paul said, “. . . for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8b NRSV). I don’t think Lennon and/or McCartney were trying to paraphrase the apostle but they came up with a pretty good phrase nonetheless.
I was struck in a new way by the texts this Sunday, in particular, the connection between Matthew 18:15-20 and Romans 13:8-14. As I mentioned in both sermons, I don’t have a good history with this part of Matthew. It was frequently used as a weapon in church-y fights when I was a kid and even up to my early twenties. The passage seemed to be used to attack people more often than not and sometimes, both sides of a dispute used it on the other. This week I saw how part of the text is actually an example of how people in a dispute can treat each other well and even lovingly.
The other thing striking me this week was the phrase I quoted above, “. . . for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” It was as if I had no idea it could be this straightforward; love other people and the law is taken care of. Wow!
I don’t know if any of my insights will resonate with you or if you have already thought these things, regardless, I’d love to hear what you think.
“It all comes back to love” St. Mark’s Presbyterian (to download, right-click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
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