Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 13:7-10

The Lord instructs us to pay everyone what they deserve. We owe every person our love. Love doesn’t do harm to people; it always seeks their good.

However, love may be misunderstood. I remember one father, upon seeing my tough love toward his adult daughter, suggesting that I just need to love her. He failed to see that a person being loved may not believe that you are seeking their good as you rebuke or warn or otherwise hinder their headlong rush to danger. Someone may despise as cruel the very fence you construct with their welfare in mind. They may imagine you are trying to restrict their freedom when, in fact, you are protecting them from predators. Is it love to let a child play with poisonous snakes? Of course not! Loving parents often say ‘No!’ to the child they deeply love. So love can be misunderstood.

Father, in profound love You have often said ‘No!’ to me. Thank You for teaching me what it is to truly love others. Motivate me to truly love every human being You place in my life.