10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor;
The negative “does no harm” is a rhetorical figure of speech employing understatement, here meaning “greatly benefits the neighbor.” The negative expression implies a strong affirmation.
This phrase is a repeat of 13:8. Love concerns itself with the wellbeing of others.
therefore
“Therefore” indicates the consequence of loving others.
love is the fulfillment of the law.
Love fulfills the Mosaic Law. The repeated, triple call to love caps exhortations of Christian’s relationship to one another:
Love your neighbor as yourself
Love does no harm to a neighbor
He who loves another has fulfilled the law.
PRINCIPLE:
Love loves to obey.
APPLICATION:
Love seeks the welfare of others. It does not harm neighbors. Law deals with sin; it is not against love. This kind of love removes all obstacles to doing the best for our neighbors. Love fulfills the requirements of the commandments through interpersonal relationships.
Love for others originates in our love for the Lord Jesus. Love loves to obey Him.
