"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
David Forster was set to run the Chicago Marathon on October 9th. And while bib number 651, the bib assigned to David, did cross the finish line, Forster was not the one wearing it. Sadly, the 27-year-old, who was said to have helped many people cross marathon finish lines during his life, died during a training run in June. So between three of his former cross-country teammates and with the blessing of race officials, Forster's bib was carried a portion of the 26.2 mile race by each friend until crossing the finish line in 3:55:24. It seems David had helped so many people achieve their marathon dream that his friends agreed, "We kind of owe it to him, for someone to help him cross this time."
You know the Bible tells us of a debt that you and I owe because of the selfless actions of one man too-but not just any man. Because of Jesus' great love for us, a love so great that it would compel him to die on a cross for you and me, we now owe a debt to love others in the same way. And not just once my friend, this is a continuing debt... just as Christ loved us once and then for all time, we are to do the very same, we are to love like Jesus.
And just how do we do that? Billy Graham sums it up this way, "We are to love our neighbors even though they may have a different color skin, ethnic background, or language; even though they look different, walk differently, or act differently. We are also to help our neighbors who are poor. The gospel of Christ has no meaning unless it is applied to those who are in need.The Greek word for love that Jesus used implies action. It is not a passive word; it is an action word. We are to love by our actions. What will you do today to show God’s love by your actions?"
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the greatest example of love. Help us to love others as Jesus did, putting their needs before our own and loving them unconditionally knowing that you died for each one of us. Help us to fulfill the law of love that we might lead others to you by doing so. It's' in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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