“A person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter [of the law]. That person’s praise is not from people but from God.” (Romans 2:29)
In other words—“the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
This is tremendously freeing, because I don’t have to worry about what people think of me, or fret over man-made lists of do’s and don’ts.
This is also tremendously sobering, because the all-seeing, all-knowing God is the judge of the state of my heart. I can’t put on false pretenses or pretend to be something I’m not with Him like I can with people. Nothing is hidden from Him.
That’s sobering, but it’s not fearsome—because He is a good and loving Father and I am His child!
P.S. See this original post for info about this photo challenge and more about this reading plan I’m using this summer for the book of Romans (and I’d love to have you join in!)! Also, if you’re reading along, feel free to share your own thoughts from today’s passage in the comments!
Rejoicing Hills 