ROMANS 2:14-15

 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.

TO PONDER

We have laws for a reason. When I was in the classroom, there were rules to follow. And when children would complain, or break these rules, or tell me it wasn’t fair, I would explain to them why we have them. And then follow up with why we have other rules in our lives, such as road-rules. And then what role the rule-enforcers such as the police (or teachers) have.    

So while you may think that law holds us back and makes us feel and look guilty, they are there mostly for our protection and safety.  

As Christians with a Lutheran flavour, we need the law…so there is room for the Gospel. And that’s the important bit. The law is just the beginning of the outcome -which is forgiveness, and love, and respect, and generosity. We call that grace – something we don’t deserve but get anyway!  

PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for your laws. For those things that keep us safe. For the rules which help us live peacefully in your world. Mostly Lord, we thank you for what comes after the Law, and that’s your grace – your underserved love. Help us to spread that grace with all we come across in our lives. Amen   

Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping