Love, Because the Day Is Near

8Pay everything you owe. But you can never pay back all the love you owe each other. Those who love others have done everything the law requires. 9Here are some commandments to think about. “Do not commit adultery.” “Do not commit murder.” “Do not steal.” “Do not want what belongs to others.” (Exodus 20:13–15, 17; Deuteronomy 5:17–19, 21) These and other commandments are all included in one rule. Here’s what it is. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) 10Love does not harm its neighbor. So love does everything the law requires.

11When you do those things, keep in mind the times we are living in. The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep. Our full salvation is closer now than it was when we first believed in Christ. 12The dark night of evil is nearly over. The day of Christ’s return is almost here. So let us get rid of the works of darkness. Let us put on the armor of light.

13Let us act as we should, like people living in the daytime. Have nothing to do with wild parties. Don’t get drunk. Don’t take part in sexual sins or evil conduct. Don’t fight with each other. Don’t be jealous of anyone.

14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ as your clothing. Don’t think about how to satisfy what your sinful nature wants.