The Plant on the Windowsill
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Ruby watered the classroom plant on Monday. On Thursday, its leaves began to droop. She told her teacher that she had already watered it, and she pointed to the tick beside her name.
The teacher smiled and showed her the dry soil. Monday's water had helped on Monday. The plant needed care again. Ruby filled the little jug and watched the water soak in.
Love also needs to keep showing up. The Bible teaches that we continue to owe love to one another. Being kind yesterday does not mean we should be unkind today. Ruby could share the crayons again, welcome a classmate again, and help without reading out a list of earlier favors. Steady care is made of many small, willing choices.
A small step for today
Love for others is a responsibility we keep returning to. Helping once does not mean we never need to care again. Be kind in the next conversation and fair in the next game. Paul teaches believers to keep loving one another. There will be fresh chances each day to show care in small, useful ways.
For the grown-up reading along
Paul has instructed believers to fulfill their obligations. He then describes love as an ongoing duty toward others, not as permission to disregard financial responsibilities.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Romans 13 in the King James Bible.