Read Romans 12:9-20 and reflect on the passage.
Lent gives us a dedicated time for self-examination and reflection. When asked by a scribe about the greatest commandment for us to follow, Jesus responded (1) “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and(2)“love your neighbor as yourself” (cf. Matt. 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-31, Luke 10:25-28). In your time of self-examination, is this “Greatest Commandment” important to you? Do you understand what it looks like to be a Christ-follower in this way?
Perhaps, like us, the early church in Rome needed help understanding this concept as well. That’s why Paul goes into great detail about what the marks of a true Christian really are by writing a list of over a dozen Christian virtues that can demonstrate our love for the Lord as well as our love for our neighbors.
If you are at all like me, you might look at this list and instantly identify your own shortcomings and failures. The good news is that not only is it impossible for us to change and be transformed on our own, but we aren’t expected to! The glorious undertaking of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us is working to conform us to Christ’s image. As Martin Luther writes in the Small Catechism, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.” Let’s commit together toward growing in these virtues and confessing our weaknesses during this Lenten season!
Questions
1. Which of these virtues did you identify as your greatest weakness?
2. Are you afraid of asking for the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance? Why or why not?
Prayer
Thanks be to Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which Thou hast given us; for all the pains and insults which Thou hast borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, may we know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly; for Thine own sake (St. Richard of Chichester).
—andrew fuller
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