This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. Romans 3:22-25 AMP
REFLECTION
Excellence (with a pure motive) is important, but the state of the heart is more important than outcomes. And sins of the heart can hide behind socially acceptable behaviour, so considering the eternal ramifications, let’s keep our hearts open to the only One who can purify them. I have had many battles with the insidious sin of pride. I found that as I prioritised my relationship with God, the pride in my heart became more apparent. God, in His great mercy, exposed the poisonous pride in my heart, so that it could be dealt with. And as I turned to Him in helplessness I didn’t know how to remove it, so I asked Him to forgive the pride in my heart and to create in me a pure heart, and in His divinely mysterious way, I know the Holy Spirit did (and is doing) what only He can do as I find myself becoming more aware of God’s grace and sovereignty, and more receptive to His truth. Only Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on the cross can truly cleanse us and reconcile us to Father God. And as we wholeheartedly seek Him, receive His love and learn His ways, we become free to know and love Him more deeply. And, in turn, come to know and love who we truly are in Christ, and love others as ourselves – all by His amazing saving grace.
PRAYER POEM:
LORD, oh keep me back from presumptuous sin and perpetually purge poisonous pride that can so easily hide. Only You can clean and heal every part of my heart. Only You can give me a spirit that is willing to do Your bidding. So here I am, as I am and say: have Your way, in and through me, come what may.
