Daily Reading: Romans 3:21–31
There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:22–23)
The woman who cuts my hair loves to talk. Jennifer (not her real name) regularly tells me about which bars she goes to and updates me on her current relationship, as well as her two ex-husbands.
Sometimes I find myself tsk-tsking internally at Jennifer’s exploits; other times I’m simply amazed at how much time and energy she has for partying. But according to Romans 3, I’m no different; I’ve sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. And verse 27 reads, “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded.” Period. End of story. The facts that my dad was a pastor, I was raised in church, and I work for Christian companies make no difference in my standing with God and afford me no bragging rights whatsoever.
When she finishes her litany, she’ll often sigh and say, “I’m getting too old for this.” Then she’ll ask, “Do you want to go out sometime?”
So far, I haven’t answered. But Romans 3 reminds me that I might just be looking at a new sister in the faith. So maybe we can grab a cup of coffee or go to a Christian concert instead of seeing the local bar band. Maybe we can just take a walk and talk more about life—and about the One who stands ready to give her what she truly wants and needs.
I think I’ll ask her when I get my haircut next week.
Thank Jesus that He loves you in spite of yourself, and share that good news with a future sibling in Christ!
Mary McNeil lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, and enjoys jet-skiing, sailing, reading, and hanging out with her family and three dogs.
