Read: Romans 3:10–26
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 1–3; John 10:1–23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
The word dysfunctional is often used to describe individuals, families, relationships, organizations, and even governments. While functional means it’s in proper working order, dysfunctional is the opposite—it’s broken, not working properly, unable to do what it was designed to do.
In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul begins by
describing a spiritually dysfunctional humanity (1:18–32). We are all
part of that rebellious company: “All have turned away, they have
together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. .
. . For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:12, 23).
The good news is that “all are justified
freely by [God’s] grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
. . . to be received by faith” (vv. 24–25). When we invite Christ into
our lives and accept God’s offer of forgiveness and new life, we are on
the path to becoming the person He created us to be. We don’t
immediately become perfect, but we no longer have to remain broken and
dysfunctional.
Through the Holy Spirit we receive daily strength to honor God in
what we say and do and to “put off [our] old self . . . to be made new
in the attitude of [our] minds; and to put on the new self, created to
be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22–24).
Lord, in our dysfunctional lives we turn to You for restoration and strength. Thank You for Your amazing grace and love!
Drawing close to Christ helps us to live as He designed us.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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