Romans 13:8–10
Paul’s words in Romans 13 meet us right where we live. We know what it feels like to carry debt, financial pressures, emotional wounds, and relational strain. These debts drain us, weigh us down, and show up in our hearts, our homes, and our hope.
But Paul flips the script. He tells us there is one debt that never drains us, a debt God actually wants us to carry.
“Owe nothing to anyone, except for your obligation to love one another.”
Love is the one debt that forms us instead of exhausting us. It is not an emotion, it is an ethical responsibility, a Christ‑shaped way of living that fulfills God’s law.
Paul reminds us that the commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet, are not just rules. They are pictures of what love looks like in everyday life.
You don’t steal from someone you love.
You don’t betray someone you love.
You don’t envy someone you love, you celebrate them.
Paul says it plainly: “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
Love completes what the law began. Where love is present, sin loses its power.
And Scripture gives us the clearest definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:
Love is patient.
Love is kind.
Love is humble.
Love is truthful.
Love is enduring.
Love never gives up.
This kind of love doesn’t just change our behavior, it changes our hearts. It reshapes how we see people, how we respond to them, and how we carry ourselves in every circumstance.
So, when Paul says love is the one debt, we never finish paying, he’s telling us something beautiful: Love is the only debt that strengthens us. Financial debt wears us down. Emotional and relational debt exhaust us. But the debt of love draws us closer to Christ and makes us look more like Him.
As you step into this week, choose love, patient love, kind love, truthful love, enduring love. Let your life be shaped by the one debt that never drains you and always fulfills God’s purpose.
Where love is present, hope rises. Where love is present, Christ is seen. Where love is present, the law finds its fulfillment.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Eddie
(Based on Sunday’s sermon, September 6, 2026)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, teach me to carry the debt of love with joy. Shape my heart to love patiently, kindly, truthfully, and enduringly. Let Your love flow through me so that others see Christ in my words, my actions, and my presence. Strengthen me to love well and love like Jesus. Amen.
Weekly Prayer Request
Matthew Franklin, Scott Harvey, Diana Huckleberry, Rick Mielke, Brian Williams and The family of Bob Wilson.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study: Summer Break has ended, and we will resume this Wednesday, September 9th. We look forward to gathering again for food, fellowship, and study as we return together.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open this Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m., and on the following Thursdays: 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
Visiting the Ark Encounter?: We will arrive in Kentucky on this Friday night, spend Saturday exploring the Ark, and return home Saturday evening after dinner. If you have any questions, please see Pam M.
Zumba w/ Suzanne is back: On next Tuesday, September 15th @ 6:30 p.m. Shake off the summer slowdown and come ready to laugh, move, sweat, and have a blast. Whether you’ve got rhythm or just enthusiasm, you’re officially invited to the dance‑party workout we all needed
Monthly Fellowship Calendar
- 🎓🎉Doctoral Achievement & Pastor Appreciation Luncheon: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- 🦃 🍂 Thanksgiving w/ the Smiths Sunday, November 22, 2026.
- 🎄 ✨ Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Men’s T-Shirts (size: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
Sweat Pants
