Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
This chapter begins with an outline of the God-given authority of the state. Paul was writing in the context of Roman law, which was generally fair if sometimes appallingly brutal. Why did he feel he needed to say this? Perhaps there were rumours that followers of this new religion were disloyal to Rome, and he wanted to scotch them. Not every state is just, though. In Revelation, Rome is Babylon, 'drunk with the blood of God's people' (17.6), doomed to destruction. Romans 13 doesn't mean Christians shouldn't resist evil in authority.
In verse 8, he goes in a different direction. We should obey the law of the land and the law of God, but our conduct is based not on law-keeping but on love; 'to love, then, is to obey the whole Law' (verse 10), because laws against adultery, murder and stealing are an expression of love.
In other words, love comes first – Paul doesn't say, 'to obey the whole law is to love'. Again, his theme is grace. We're in relationship with God because he reaches out to us and we respond to him. One way – though not the only way – of showing our love is to do what he commands.
Perhaps we all know people whose lives are correct in every way, but who are cold and ungenerous – and perhaps God looks on them less kindly than he does on those who might not always get things right, but who are driven by a passionate love for him.
God, teach me to love as I have been loved. Help me to do the right things, not because I'm afraid of what will happen if I don't, but because you have changed my heart.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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