Love Without Delay
Scripture: “Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13.8, ESV)
MAIN POINT: Chronological uncertainty demands that we love and forgive today rather than postponing reconciliation until tomorrow.
Paul’s command to love one another takes on new urgency when we remember we don’t know when Christ will return. We don’t have the luxury of thinking we’ll have time tomorrow to make things right. The one who stays awake does not harbor grudges, nurse bitterness, or delay reconciliation.
How many relationships in your life need attention? That family member you’ve been meaning to call. That friend you offended but haven’t apologized to. That co-worker you’ve been judging. That neighbor you’ve been avoiding. Chronological uncertainty strips away our excuses. We cannot say, “I’ll deal with that next month” or “I’ll forgive them eventually.” Today is the day. This is the hour.
Isaiah’s vision of the mountain of the Lord shows nations beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2.4, ESV). This is the peace of God’s kingdom, and we are called to live toward that peace now. Every act of forgiveness, every word of reconciliation, every gesture of love is a foretaste of the coming kingdom. Don’t delay. Love today. Forgive today. Serve today.
Reflection: Every unreconciled relationship is a bet that we have more time than we might actually have. Who do you need to reconcile with or show love to today? What grudge or bitterness are you holding onto that needs to be released now?
Prayer: Father of mercy, search my heart and reveal any unforgiveness or bitterness I’m harboring. Give me courage to seek reconciliation where it’s needed and grace to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Responses