Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 13-14 NCV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

Thoughts

When Paul wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a fellow by the name of Nero was emperor of Rome. I doubt if there is anyone who would deny that Nero was an evil man.

Keeping that in mind, in Chapter 13, Paul began with a message that is hard to swallow if you are a politically minded person.

I’ve lived long enough to live under political administrations that I agreed with and those I disagreed with. It’s easy to follow Paul’s teaching if I agree with the powers that be, but when I don’t agree with them, I really have to remind myself of Paul’s words here in the opening verses of chapter 13. I need to remind myself that God is in control, even when it seems that the current rulers are against everything I believe.

This is definitely where faith comes in. I have to have faith that God knows what he’s doing. And of course He does. 

So with that, we could say that Paul was looking at the macro.

Next he moves to the micro in the balance of our reading today. He focuses on our relationships with individuals. How we get along with our fellowman.

He makes it sound so easy. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Yeah, Paul, but have you met my neighbor? There is nothing remotely lovable about that guy! He’s petty, he’s cantankerous, he’s foul mouthed, he’s mean.

What’s that?

Oh, yeah.

There was nothing much lovable about me when Jesus called me.

Ok. That hurts.

Jesus, help me to see my neighbor through your eyes. Help me to love him like you love him, and like you love me, though I don’t deserve your love.

So, beloved, unless your government is commanding you to do something contrary to God’s law, we are taught to submit to their authority because their authority comes from God.

And we are to love the unloveable.

How’s that for homework? No one said this life of faith was easy.

Do you have unloveable people in your life? Who doesn’t? Maybe someone you work with? Maybe a family member?

Pray for those in authority this week, and for the unloveable.