Romans 2:23 – Represent!

This verse (2:23) is part of a series of statements written by Paul about the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders of the day. The leaders said that they followed the law of God daily, but they did not in their treatment of the followers of Jesus.

Paul knew what he was talking about since he had been a persecutor of the Christians before he met Jesus on the Damascus Road. Paul is also using the warning in this verse as an example to the followers of Christ to not be so caught up in their self-righteousness that they dishonor God in their lives.

The Christians of Rome were surrounded by people who were living in sin and debauchery. It was difficult for Christians to live in this environment every day. They met in secret, underground in the catacombs, and returned above, to their lives on the streets of Rome. These Christians of Rome realized they could be discovered at any time, but they also knew they needed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ daily. They could not be self-righteous. Their mission was to treat people with love, kindness, self-control, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. (Galatians 5:22-23). Because of their obedience to Jesus Christ and the reminder of Paul in his letter to them, these Christians helped spread the Gospel beyond the streets of Rome.

The message to us today is as clear as it was to those Christians in Rome. How we act, day in and day out, with our family, friends, co-workers, store clerks, and people we meet on the street. speaks volumes about how we represent God. This is how we spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

- Libby Cross