First Sunday of Advent

Sermon Text: Romans 13:9‐10, 14

What would you do if someone insulted you? No doubt you already know from your past experiences. Your flesh would jump to your defense, getting offended, indifferent, or combative. But God calls us to love. Christ was hailed as king at his Triumphal Entry, and then days later was crucified with people mocking him, laughing that he dare say he is their king. Yet, Christ went to the cross out of love for them. He is their king who brings them into the salvation of his kingdom through his crucifixion. They deserved death under God’s Law for their sin of hatred and the mockery of their divine king, but Christ fulfilled the Law on their behalf by taking on their punishment at the cross. Christ shows his love for us by also dying for our sins. That is love fulfilling the Law. We suffer the evils of others that we may forgive them their sins and call them to repentance. Love your neighbour as yourself by loving them as Christ loves you.