Scripture
5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
Reflection
As humans we are naturally inclined to be stubborn and unrepentant and in doing so distance ourselves from God. But I love how Paul uses the word ‘persistence’ here. Doing the right thing, living righteously, honoring God, seeking His glory are things we must intentionally exercise. We have to persist at these ways of God, because our natural human tendencies lean back towards stubbornness to do things our way which leads to wrath and destructive behavior. Like all exercise, there is a little pain involved. The intense exercise breaks down your old muscles to build them back up stronger. You might wake up sore the next day (figuratively speaking), but be reminded that you are indeed strengthening your spiritual core! (Josh)
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Then after your day is done, take time to give everything back to God again as you travel home. Remember that God knows, cares about and values every part of your life, and is actively at work within it.
