Reading: Romans 7:15-25

Verse 21: “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”

Today’s “do” and “don’t” phrases are a lot to work through. There is great honesty, though, as Paul reflects on the state of his soul. Even though we are created in the image of God, and even though we have the spark of the divine in us, and even though we, like Paul, “have the desire to do good,” we too “cannot carry it out.” We are prone to sin. It is our human nature.

In verse 21 Paul honestly writes, “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” This too is our unfortunate reality. Temptation and sin are never far off. There is an almost constant battle that rages in us between good and evil. In our hearts we too “delight in God’s law.” And we also “have another law” that is at work within us, always trying to separate us from God. This can range from a simple snide comment or judging others in our mind to lust and greed to theft or adultery or worse. In verse 24 Paul candidly admits, “What a wretched man I am.”

Before we feel that it’s impossible or that all is lost, Paul reminds us of the truth and promise that we find in Christ. He asks, “Who will rescue me?” And in response he writes, “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus can and will rescue him. Jesus can and will rescue us. Thanks be to God indeed!

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen my inner being. Attune my ears and heart better to your Spirit. Build up the good and encourage me as I seek to resist evil. Day by day root me in Christ. Help me to grow more and more each day into who you made me to be. Amen.