Living Awake – Loving Fully
There’s something about finishing a long, powerful letter that makes you pause. As we draw near the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans, it’s worth taking a moment to breathe it in. This isn’t just a theological masterpiece—it’s a love letter from God to His people, rich with challenge, clarity, and invitation.
From the very first chapter, Paul sets the tone:
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)
This gospel is powerful. It rescues, transforms, and awakens us to a life we could never earn or imagine on our own.
And yet, for all its brilliance and complexity—about law and grace, sin and salvation, Jew and Gentile—Paul circles back to one central truth that holds everything together: Love.
The Only Debt That Frees Us
In Romans 13, Paul makes a surprising financial analogy:
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another…” (Romans 13:8)
Love is the one debt we’re meant to carry every day. Not the kind that weighs us down, but the kind that lifts others up. Paul says love fulfills the law. All the commandments—don’t steal, don’t kill, don’t lie—are summed up in this one:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (v.9)
And just in case we’re tempted to skim over it, Jesus said the exact same thing. When asked what mattered most, He didn’t hesitate:
“Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30–31)
For Jesus, and for Paul, love isn’t just one part of the faith. It is the faith. It’s the whole thing.
When Love Does No Harm
Paul says something simple but piercing:
“Love does no harm to a neighbor.” (Romans 13:10)
In a world that often equates love with feelings or approval, Paul reminds us that real love protects. Real love doesn’t wound. It doesn’t tear apart families, foster division, or trample others in the name of righteousness. Real love doesn’t exploit, exclude, or excuse harm. If it hurts, it isn’t holy.
This verse might be one of the most practical filters for modern Christian life. Ask yourself:
- Does this belief harm my neighbor?
- Does my tone cause damage?
- Does my “truth” come at the expense of grace?
If your faith leaves a trail of broken people, it may be time to revisit the source.
Wake Up—The Time is Now
Paul’s next words feel especially urgent for our time:
“The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber…” (Romans 13:11)
This isn’t about literal sleep. It’s about spiritual drowsiness. Sleepwalking through your faith. Ignoring the brokenness around you. Being too comfortable to care.
Paul wants us alert, aware, awake—because the day is coming when all things will be made new. And in the meantime, God is calling us to live now as if that day has already begun.
N.T. Wright says it like this:
“The present time is not merely a waiting room for eternity; it’s the workshop of resurrection life.”
We’re not just biding our time till Jesus returns. We’re meant to be living signs of what’s to come—bringing light, peace, justice, and love into a dark and tired world.
Put On Christ
To live awake, Paul says, is to put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12). And not just any armor—he tells us to clothe ourselves with Jesus (v.14).
Imagine getting dressed every day not just in a shirt or shoes—but in compassion, patience, humility, kindness.
“And over all these virtues, put on love…” (Colossians 3:14)
This is how we prepare ourselves—not to fight people, but to resist apathy, division, and fear. This is how we reflect the light of Christ into a world longing to see something different.
So… How Will You Respond?
Maybe today, you need to hear this: You are deeply, unshakably loved by God.
That’s where it all begins.
But maybe you also need to ask: Am I living awake?
Have I let my faith grow dull? Have I stopped loving because it’s easier to judge, avoid, or scroll past?
Paul is calling us—gently but firmly—back to the center.
Love is the fulfillment of the law.
Love is the call.
Love is the evidence of real faith.
Love is the light we’re meant to wear in the darkness.
So here’s the challenge:
Wake up.
Put on Jesus.
Let love lead.
Don’t wait for the world to change before you start loving. Love changes the world. One neighbor, one word, one act of kindness at a time.
Let’s be a people who live awake and love fully—so when people look at us, they see something real, something holy…something like Jesus.