MARCH 24: Looking Inward
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
In Romans 2, Paul responds to some Jews in Rome who were living out a false belief system. They believed that it was OK for them to point fingers at Gentiles for their wrongdoing (sins), while not focusing at all on their own wrongdoing. Paul refutes this way of thinking, outlining that they too have sinned against God.
On Romans 2:1, the Life Application Study Bible1 notes, “Whenever we find ourselves feeling justifiably angry about someone’s sin, we should be careful. We need to speak out against sin, but we must humbly remember our own weakness. Often the sins we notice most clearly in others are the ones that have taken root in us. If we look closely at ourselves, we may find that we are committing the same sins in more socially acceptable forms. For example, a person who is very critical of those who gossip may justify the same action in themselves….”
This commentary note contains a sobering truth: that one must first look inward at their own sins before looking outward at others.
READING & JOURNALING:
Think of a time when somebody incorrectly pointed out wrongdoing in your life. For example, somebody falsely accused you of gossip or some other sin. What emotions did you experience as a result?
Romans 2:4 notes that it’s the kindness of God that turns people to repent. In what ways does this truth impact how you can address sinful behavior in the lives of others?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I am certain that at one time or another, I have falsely accused others of sinful behavior. May the truth that it is Your kindness that leads people to repentance completely change how I approach others who may be living an ungodly lifestyle. May Your kindness live within me and through me so that others want to turn to You in all things. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Ezra 7 & 8
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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