Romans Twelve

On June 30th, 2011 I wrote:

...Today at the home-visit I found myself wanting to judge and assess needs for myself instead of listening with a sensitive spirit of discernment.  Meran (a beautiful 22year-old Ethiopian woman, pictured below) was so patient and willing.  I thank God that He is breaking me of selfishness through these people.  I want to continue to learn to serve and see through a lens of forgiveness and mercy.  I want to give because I've been given to; love because I'm loved...

People aren't projects or formulas.  We are intricately woven, uniquely wired and continually being taken from one level of glory to the next.  This redefinition of my perception of people that began this summer has really become a posture of mine. 

Most people I encounter, mark me; they leave a stamp on my soul or take a piece of my heart.  But it's different when I don't feel responsible to fix them.  Suddenly that ache to 'make it better' melts into a practicing of weeping and rejoicing as those around me weep and rejoice - (and everything in between).  Freedom! 

Ethiopia continues to change and grow me.  Being an RA has been another one of the best and maturing experiences of my life.  I can't help but shake my head at the undeserved blessings I walk in daily.

an unlikely defendant

My plea:
I'm a walking, undeserving mess.

The Sentence*:
Therefore, having been justified by faith,
You have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also you have obtained your introduction by faith
into this grace in which you stand;
and you exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but you also exult in our tribulations,
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out
within your heart
through the Holy Spirit who was given to you.

For while you were still helpless,
at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

For one will hardly die for a righteous man;
though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

But God demonstrates His own love toward you,
in that while you were yet a sinner, Christ died for you.

Much more then,
having now been justified by His blood,
you shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

For if while you were an enemy
you were reconciled to God through the death of His Son,
much more, having been reconciled,
you shall be saved by His life.

And not only this,
but you also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom you have now received the reconciliation.



*Romans 5 | Interpretation & Application