DEVOTION – DAY 464

Romans 13:7-8 “Love And Debts”

Romans 13:7-8 “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another for whoever love others has fulfilled the law.”

There is an obligation to pay one’s debts when they fall due. As an example, the apostle Paul used taxes in v7. The Bible considers governments and positions of authority as God’s agents. Thus, taxes that are payable to the authorities should be paid because the collection of taxes contribute towards the provision of infrastructure, military protection and so on. These provisions benefited society as a whole. The only debt that is never paid off is the debt to love one another in v8. Christians have a continuing obligation to love people whether they are fellow Christians or non-Christians. That was why God instructed His people in His law to love one another because God is love.

Fan Bingbing is a famous Chinese actress. Her films often broke box office records. She was also a brand ambassador for many Western brands. However, in 2018, she was suspected of tax evasion because it was suggested that she had signed two contracts for four days work in a Chinese film, “Cell Phone 2”. One contract revealed that she was paid CNY10 million, and the second contract showed that she was paid CNY50 million. It was implied that she was actually paid CNY60 million, and the smaller contract of CNY10 million was intended to be used for tax declaration purposes. The authorities began an investigation into her tax affairs and she and her related companies were fined CNY883 million in taxes and penalties. She later apologized for her actions and for a time, her film and TV shows could not be shown in China, forcing her to go abroad to continue working. 

Fan Bingbing was an example of someone who did not pay her tax debts fully to the authorities. As a result, she was punished for her failure in a costly manner. For Christians, we too must pay all our debts. The only debt we continue to keep, is the debt to love one another. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are the God who is love. Thank you for loving us whilst we were still sinners. Please help us to love others as our own bodies, so that we can be channels of your love to others. We humbly pray in the great and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Have you borrowed something from someone but you have forgotten to return or repay it to them? Will you make it a point to repay your debts?
  2. Why is it important for you to pay your debts?
  3. How have you been showing love to others, Christians and non-Christians, including people who are not lovable? Share.
  4. What steps can you take to show love to people who are not lovable in your life? Discuss and Share.