Here Paul picks up the same theme that we found in the latter section of chapter 12. He says that all of the commandments can be summed up in one phrase: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (vs 9).
When Jesus taught this he was asked, "Who is my neighbor?" You remember Jesus responds by telling the story of the Good Samaritan. Two of the main points are: (1) loving your neighbor sometimes means helping someone even if you don't know them, and (2) loving your neighbor sometimes means personal sacrifice for you.
Two days ago a friend told me that he and his wife had stopped to meet a young couple who was asking for money on the side of the road. He found out both of them had just lost their jobs, their house, and then their car. So my friend offers to help them build resumes, drive them to interviews, oh, and that during that time they can stay at his place if they run out of hotel money.
Talk about true gospel-neighboring! I was so excited when he called to tell me! See, my friend knows that Jesus found him and saved him at the lowest point in his life, so he can't help but love his neighbors (the young couple) at the lowest point in their lives.
How can you love your neighbor as yourself today? This week? It may be someone you don't even know. It may cost you something as well. But don't let that stop you, it didn't stop Jesus from saving you.
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