Thursday, July 2, 2026

Scripture

“I do not understand my own actions.  For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15

Reflections

If you’ve never knowingly done something wrong, you’re not human.

As human beings, we sin.  Trying harder will not keep us from sinning.  Pretending everything is just fine will not make it disappear.  The temptation and forces of the evil one come into our minds and lives uninvited.  As much as we would like to overcome all temptation, we cannot.  We fall to temptation because we are too weak.

When we do the very thing we do not want to do, we look back with regret.  We are tempted to beat ourselves up over it.  When we do, we’re only playing into the evil one’s hand.  He’s the one who wants to destroy us.  Jesus is the one who took our sins with him upon the cross.  The price for our sin has been paid.  We are forgiven.

When we read from the Apostle Paul in this chapter, we hear that we are not alone.  Even he was frustrated about this.  He really didn’t like being a weak sinner.  He could not escape it.

When we turn to God with an honest and humble heart, we are once again reminded of His forgiveness overflowing in Jesus.  He is the One who picks us up when we stumble.  He is the One who restores us with his healing grace.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for loving me, a sinner.  Help me to remember that I am forgiven by you, even when sin dwells within me.  Do your work through me, an imperfect sinner, this day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Romans 7:15-25a