We live at a time when many possess a weak sense of obligation, often driven by the notion that they deserve or are owed something by the world. Many do not feel obligated to honor commitments, as seen with entertainers and athletes renegotiating contracts prematurely. There is a noticeable decline in the sense of obligation to nation, community, or family, despite the immense benefits these institutions provide. Human nature does not inherently include a sense of obligation; it is a learned character trait. We come under obligation when a service is rendered to us, creating indebtedness, and this closely relates to accountability and responsibility, compelling us to repay what we owe. True obligation is a profound conviction that we owe someone something, a concept deeply tied to the seriousness of certain observances. Because God our Father, whom we represent, is holy, we are under obligation to reflect that holiness in our conduct. The recognition of a great act of redemption can inspire a deep sense of obligation, as seen in the actions of a woman who, out of gratitude for being turned from sin, expressed her love and indebtedness through humble service to Jesus Christ. In contrast, a lack of recognition of one's indebtedness can result in no sense of obligation, gratitude, or act of love, as demonstrated by a man who failed to offer even customary hospitality. We all stand as debtors unable to pay our obligations to God, regardless of the extent of our sins. No amount of personal effort or change can lessen this debt; forgiveness comes solely by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. Recognizing our insolvency places us under obligation to the One who pays our unpayable debt. Those who are most aware of the enormity of their forgiven sins feel a greater obligation to live as the Payer of their debt instructs, bearing fruit in godly love. The depth of our response to this obligation often depends on our awareness of our guilt contrasted with the vastness of God's forgiveness. A profound sense of indebtedness can drive us to labor with energy and enthusiasm, as it did with Paul, who lived and worked out of grateful obligation for what Christ had done for him. We are obliged not only to avoid further indebtedness but also to expand and perfect the giving of love, which serves as the inclusive framework for all duties. Love, motivated by this obligation, frees and enables us to serve and sacrifice with generosity of spirit. Remembering the sacrifice of Christ helps retain a right sense of obligation, filling us with wonder that He would pay so much for something so defiled. This remembrance is not meant to burden us but to inspire awe and motivate us to love, addressing the failures that placed us in debt. Our fellowship with Christ, especially during significant observances, reinforces this obligation, focusing on His sacrifice and example as the foundation of all loving relationships.

In a time when many exhibit a weak sense of obligation, the notion that something is owed or deserved often prevails. Human nature, inherently self-centered, does not naturally possess this virtuous trait, which must be cultivated within family and community. True obligation, tied to accountability and responsibility, is a profound conviction of owing something to another for a service rendered, creating a debt that compels repayment or at least heartfelt gratitude. As spiritual children representing a holy God, we are under obligation to mirror His holiness in our conduct. This sense of duty is intensified by the recognition that we owe our lives to Christ, who redeemed us. With nothing to repay this immense debt, we stand before Him in complete insolvency, unable to justify ourselves. Choosing to accept His forgiveness places us under obligation to the One who pays our unpayable debt. Jesus teaches that the depth of our love for Him correlates directly with our recognition of the enormity of our forgiven sins. Those most conscious of their forgiveness will exhibit the most fervent love, driving their Christian growth. A person aware of great forgiveness feels a stronger obligation to live according to the Redeemer's guidance than one who perceives their debt as minor. The Passover service reinforces this sense of obligation, reminding us of the measure of His love and our worth to Him. It is not meant to burden us with guilt but to inspire a wondering awe at the price paid for our redemption. We are admonished to remember the entirety of Christ's sacrifice—His life, death, and role as our sinless Creator—motivating us to love as we failed to do before. To partake in Passover without due appreciation is to show ingratitude for His sacrifice, revealing a lack of love and awareness of our sins and the cost of forgiveness. During Passover, Christ is both host and feast, symbolically offering His flesh and blood as the path to eternal life. This communion with Him is the focus, underscoring the immense obligation we bear for such a Savior, sacrifice, and example. It reorients us annually, turning us back to the right direction and attitude, centered on our Father in heaven, His Messiah, and Their purpose.