Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This week’s verse reminds us that we have sinned and continue to fall short of the glory of God. This verse ought to produce two things in us.
As sinful beings, our tendency is to break all of God’s commandments. Paul said that “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). “There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:12c). God, in His love, sent His Son to die for our sins and to accept us into His kingdom. This ought to humble us because God accepts us not just as we are, but in spite of what we are.
Another reason why this verse teaches us to be humble—we are no better than anyone else. Therefore, we should be poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) and be like the tax collector in Luke 18:13–“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”.
2. Thankfulness
We ought to be thankful for God’s law that exposes our inability to achieve our own righteousness. No matter how hard we try. We are not saved by keeping the law. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are accepted and changed.
The high standard of the law has subjected us to sin. But praise be to God, grace came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Now, the Holy Spirit lives through us, who are born again, to accomplish His will. (John 3:7.)
Let’s remember to remain humble and boast in the work of Jesus Christ. Let’s keep a heart of gratitude for God who changed us and saved us according to the power of His love and might. He still loves us and works through us in spite of our flaws and failures.