10 Love does no wrong to a neighbour;
therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Romans 13:10
Paul now talks about a word that the “Flower Children” of my generation, stretched and reshaped until it seemed to appear to be more self focused than other focused. Paul, in verse 9, points to the Ten Commandments – no adultery, no murder, no stealing, and no coveting. It is a stretch to put free sex, drugs, or mind-expanding experiences in the commandments as God’s will. Paul does not mention the positive commandments of loving God, guarding our mouths and not using God’s name in vain, remembering the Sabbath, and honoring family but he certainly could have. Perhaps one of the core questions we can ask of ourselves as we interact with others is, “Who profits from this interaction?” Swearing at the guy going too slow ahead of us or at the person talking on their cell phone at the signal may let off frustration but often the words pollute the air and little ears hear. Nothing is resolved.
When we come to those frustrating moments today when the “other” is more of an irritant than a blessing, may we slow our roll and reflect on what the other might be going through. Let us meditate on Proverbs 15:1-3.
A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
On the Way to Wonder 