What is love? This is a question often asked in our society. For many, love is an emotion that makes us feel good. For others, it is a sense that we are needed. Perhaps the most frustrating thing about “love” is that it seems so elusive. How do we define it? How do we know we have it? This problem is one example of why the Bible is a great blessing to us – instead of having to determine our own definition of truth, it gives us God’s definition. And the Lord’s definition of love is very practical: it is the fulfilling of the law. That is, love finds its expression in obeying the commands that God has given to us. How can that be so? It is because God has given us His law not as a simple list of “dos and don’ts,” but as a way to pursue love. We show love to others by the way we treat them, and we know how to show love because God has shown us the way. This is what “Fulfilling the Law Through Love” (Romans 13:8-10) means.

I. Fulfilling Our Obligations
A. Not So Simple
B. Counter Cultural

II. Our Great Obligation
A. Understanding Love
B. Love and the Law

Questions for consideration: (1) What is the danger to our witness for Christ if we do not fulfill our obligations to others? (2) How can continually paying the debt of love make you richer? (3) Why does Paul say that keeping specific commandments is love?