“How to get started reading the Bible”—we’ve all googled it before. No matter how far you’ve come on your faith journey, reading the Bible can be hard! We’re right there with you. We see these Scripture meditations as a way to read Scripture in a digestible way. Let’s start together, one verse at a time!
No Judging, But….
It’s funny, isn’t it? Jesus came to earth specifically to save sinners.
But it feels like some Christians love deciding who is a sinner. And instead of showing God’s love, they’d rather see “sinners” kicked out of church (or at least blocked on social media).
Honestly? Sometimes I wish I could block those “bad” Christians back (I’ll show them!). They’re giving my God a bad name!
In Romans 8, though, Paul reminds me that God is not mine. Rather, I am his. And the decision to justify or condemn someone is his, too. *ouch*
Romans 8:33-34
33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Observations from the Text
- God justifies us (v. 33)
- We aren’t called to condemn others justified by Christ (v. 34)
- Jesus intercedes with God for people who don’t deserve it (v. 34)
Prayers of Response
God who saves sinners, I confess I don’t understand why other Christians ________. I like to think I’m better at following you than they are.
Jesus, thank you for standing before God for me! Because of you, I’m forgiven and free from ________.
Prayer Requests
Lord, help ________ and me to have better conversations. Instead of condemning each other, move us to encourage each other in our walks with you.
God who justifies, you know exactly why ________ acts the way they do. Pour your love into them, and lead them to your heart.
Prayers of Readiness
Maker of all people, it’s hard for me to stop condemning ________. But I want to leave room for your authority!
Lord, when I feel like “blocking” Christians who ________ today, show me how to live in grace.
Turning to Scripture in times of hardship or when you’re in need of guidance is a great way to connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life. Visit this page for more Scripture meditations.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
