5Therefore, it is necessary for you to obey, not only because you're afraid of God's anger but also because of your own conscience. 6That is also why you pay your taxes. People in the government are God's servants while they do the work he has given them. 7Pay everyone whatever you owe them. If you owe taxes, pay them. If you owe tolls, pay them. If you owe someone respect, respect that person. If you owe someone honor, honor that person. 8Pay your debts as they come due. However, one debt you can never finish paying is the debt of love that you owe each other. The one who loves another person has fulfilled Moses' Teachings. 9The commandments, "Never commit adultery; never murder; never steal; never have wrong desires," and every other commandment are summed up in this statement: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." 10Love never does anything that is harmful to a neighbor. Therefore, love fulfills Moses' Teachings. 11You know the times [in which we are living]. It's time for you to wake up. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers. 12The night is almost over, and the day is near. So we should get rid of the things that belong to the dark and take up the weapons that belong to the light. 13We should live decently, as people who live in the light of day. Wild parties, drunkenness, sexual immorality, promiscuity, rivalry, and jealousy cannot be part of our lives. 14Instead, live like the Lord Jesus Christ did, and forget about satisfying the desires of your sinful nature.
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