Focus
Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.
Read
Romans 3:21-31 (NRSV)
But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Reflect
Throughout my life I have received many gifts that I did not deserve. As an only child of older parents, I often received things I wanted rather than needed.
Although I will soon be married 43 years, it’s not unusual for my husband to surprise me with a small gift of jewelry, a music CD or movie. I don’t earn these gifts and often feel that I don’t deserve them. Through love my parents and husband honor me.
God loves each of us in spite of our sin. We know we all are sinners. The Bible is filled with the stories of how God’s people turned away from God time after time. Because of God’s great love for us, God gave us the gift of salvation. It is a GIFT. It cannot be earned through goods works or a through certain way of living. The gift is freely given; we need only accept the gift that God gave us through the bloodshed by God’s son for our atonement.
Pray
Holy Father, we thank you for the love you give us and the wonderful gift of salvation through your son, Jesus. Amen.
Go with God!
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.