I’m finishing up our taxes tonight.  I’ve worked through them 3 times … trying to work out the details … fair … honest … right.  

That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.  That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders. ~Peterson’s paraphrase of Romans 13:5-8

The teaching doesn’t stop here … the Apostle Paul goes on to say … Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

I was discussing “how to love” with a friend the other day.  In messy lives, difficult situations, what does love look like?

Jesus’ words about our love for others are strong … “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Loving as I have been loved … completely, unconditionally, sacrificially … difficult concepts to put into action … makes paying taxes look like a piece of cake!  I don’t mean to make light of the challenge … only to spur us on … to encourage … 

How do I love thee … let me count the ways.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing, Out of my life, May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today.