Daily Devotional

This is a powerful verse, a convicting verse, and the answer to anyone who asks, “Do I need a savior?” The answer to that question is of course a very solid YES. The great equalizer among humans is that every single one of us does not, cannot measure up to God. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Nothing we do can save us, nothing we do can bring us into a right relationship with God. But God… One of my favorite phrases in the Bible, “But God…” is so much contained in those words. God made a way for us, God has fixed the rift between God and man, and all we need do is respond.

John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” That is the “But God…”, all have sinned, but God made a way. This is a reason for us as christians to be joyful and grateful, but also humble, because we are still sinners. Oh, we are saved by grace but we are nonetheless still sinners and far from perfect. I know for myself there are things I struggle with consistently and that serves as a healthy reminder that I am a work in progress. God did not zap away my sinful nature when I believed, it is a process that we call sanctification.

Not only for ourselves, it is a process that all christians no matter where they are in their walk with the Lord are going through. We are not called to excuse sin in our brothers and sisters, but we are called to be loving, supportive, and forgiving. It is important to remember the church is a hospital, not a club for perfect people. You don’t get yourself right in order to go to church, you go to church to get yourself right. The short verse of Romans 3:23 may seem so simple to us who have been around church for any length of time, but it should serve as a reminder to keep us humble and forgiving of each other as we all strive to be more and more like Christ.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
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