Many times when people talk about debt, they talk in terms of finances. But in Romans 13:7, it is talked about in much broader terms, Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. No matter how we may feel about someone personally, we should never owe anyone anything. Withholding what someone either deserves or is owed is wrong. Respect and honor, when withheld, is debt. And all debts must be paid.

1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most powerful chapters in the entire Bible. Paul takes the time to emphasize the importance of love in all that we do. The verse that stood out to me as I read it today was verse 12, Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. Paul gives us hope for our future, that one day we will know what is important when we see God face to face. While we may not have all the answers right now, we will one day. And more importantly we will fully understand God’s perspective. It is hard to trust God has our best interest in mind, but with faith we know He ultimately does and we will fully understand it one day.

One of the key tenets of our faith is that through Christ and Christ alone we are saved. Galatians 2:20-21 says it as clear as anywhere in the Bible, 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” If we could do anything by our own power, then Christ died on the cross for nothing.