Today’s scripture: Romans 7:15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
I identify so well with today’s verse from Paul’s letter to the Romans: I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do the very thing I hate. By nature, I am very self-critical so I easily recognize and find fault in many things I do.
I confess that in the last year alone I have kept only a dismal two of the list of ten commandments: no other gods before our Lord God, no idols, no misuse of the name of God, keeping the Sabbath holy, honoring father and mother, no murder, no adultery, no stealing, no false testimony, no covetousness.
I confess that at some point in the last year I have displayed the exact opposite of each of the characteristics of love outlined in I Corinthians 13: patience, kindness, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping record of no wrongs, rejoicing in truth, protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering.
I confess that I will miss the blessings of God because I have not been living up to the desired characteristics found in each of the Beatitudes that Jesus taught us in His Sermon on the Mount: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers.
I confess that because of sin in my life, I have been unable to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit with any regularity. That means I have been lacking love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I know the basic tenets of our Christian faith. So how can I expect to get into heaven at this rate?
The good news is that God still loves me. Scriptural law shows me what sin is so I understand the difference between good and evil. I will always contend with sin in my life — it’s the human condition. I cannot live in my own power so I seek Jesus Christ, who died to put an end to the law by establishing the new law of grace. This grace is not contingent on some type of demerit system, either. If I reach a certain number of sins, God will not swoop in and withdraw His grace.
So I can skip the negative self-talk and just get back to the business of getting on the track of righteousness. I will always strive to do better each day, but I can expect to fail many, many times. Regardless of my shortcomings, God will continue to shower me with grace and mercy.
Thought for the day: Where have you fallen short recently? Receive the grace that is yours in Jesus Christ!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.