Romans 3:21-31

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus.

Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of gentiles also? Yes, of gentiles also, since God is one, and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we then overthrow the law through this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

 

Today's Reflective Questions

• How have arrogance and pride in your life hindered your relationship with God and others?
• Which behaviors, disciplines, or teachings of Christ reveal his humble spirit?
• What steps will you take this week to develop a heart more open to God so you may embody a spirit of humility?

This Week's Lenten Focus: Humility

This Lenten season, Bishop David Wilson, along with some conference staff and members of the laity, are inviting the people of the Great Plains Conference and beyond to “Pay Attention to God’s Voice” during this season of Lent. The theme for this week is Humility.

Humility is freeing ourselves from the false wisdom of arrogance and pride and emerges when our heart becomes pliable to the presence and righteousness of God. The season of Lent is a time of deep self-examination and true acknowledgement of what we are willing to put aside to fully embrace and embody our God.  

Humility is not an automatic response for us. It is challenging for us to turn away from the urging of our inner desires and to put ourselves aside in the interest of God and others; however, God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to do so. If we are humble enough to obediently submit and surrender to God, we experience restoration, and our lives are beautifully transformed. We become more peaceful, more loving, and more giving and forgiving. 

Through the presence of humility, we develop hearts of gratitude and we become more self-aware of who we are in Christ. Through the presence of humility, our choices remove us more and more from the urgings of the world and draw us nearer and closer to God.

• Watch a video featuring Rev. Kathy Williams and Rev. Orlando Gallardo Parra talking about humility. 
• Watch a video featuring Bishop David Wilson inviting you to observe a Holy Lent.
• To learn more, check out this special page on our website dedicated to our Lenten topics.

Invitation to Go Deeper

Spend 10-15 minutes each morning in prayer offering praise and adoration to God, confessing to God how you have fallen short, submitting your requests to God, and yielding your heart and mind to follow God’s ways. If you are unable to find your own words, recite and meditate on the Lord’s Prayer. Think about which part of the prayer will guide your daily behavior and choices.

Prayer for Reflection

Other texts from today’s lectionary:
Psalm 121
Micah 7:18-20