The Message says here, "Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other." So often we look at loving each other as the right thing to do... something that we should do if we possibly can. But, I love how God says it is a debt that we owe. It is THE priority and must be paid back. It is not small or optional. There are consequences if it goes unpaid. From a financial perspective, future investments are actually hindered when debts go unpaid. Think of that. Could our capacity to love the next person be hindered by our unwillingness to love the last person? I've met a few people who seem to have trouble making friends no matter what they seem to do about it. Perhaps they simply haven't learned how to love. What is the first and most significant aspect of love in the Bible (Hint: 1 Cor. 13)? Patience. "Love is patient." If we are without patience, we are without love. As an At-Home-Mom of 3 little ones, I have to remind myself about patience every day. "If I can't be patient with them," I tell myself, "I don't fully love them." So, now I'll try to think of loving others this way... "Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of 'patience' that you owe each other." That should be a beautiful challenge!

Romans 13:8