Many of us have a great hope of being debt-free. We hope that one day, we will no longer be slaves to our mortgages. Imagine the possibilities all that freed up money will bring. Well, for many in our community, it is becoming a more and more distant hope. Increasing house prices mean that many will not see the end of their debt for many years to come, but eventually most mortgages will come to an end.

In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul sets out what life looks like for those who have declared Jesus as king. In chapter 13, he describes this life as like having a debt. A debt that will always remain outstanding no matter how much you pay off.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Jesus has commanded us to love God and to love our neighbours. There is no completion date or prescribed volume of this love. It is a continuing debt that will always remain outstanding.

If you have children, you know all about this continuing debt of love. When can you say that you have loved your children enough?

Likewise, for those who follow Jesus you can never say that you have loved too much. Whether it is your family, friends or work colleagues, your debt remains outstanding even though you will want to give up time and again.

The good news is that we are not left on our own for this task. We graciously give all that we need to keep making the repayments, and God’s spirit gives us the wisdom, strength and determination to keep loving each other – even when we feel we have nothing left in the bank.