How Do You Feel? Confused?
Devotions on Emotions (and Scripture) by the First Pres Pastors
A reflection on Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin.[c] 15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17 But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Thanks, Paul, for helping to put into words the confusion that sometimes defines my imperfect walk down the path of discipleship. I have read the Bible as a Christian long enough to know what I should do in many situations. But then, as much as I know what is right, I don’t always do it.
I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate ……
I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.
That is so confusing. This is not how I want to live in many instances. But that is also the human condition. And it is why I need a Savior to give me an example to follow to a fuller life, and grace when I fall short.
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Prayer
God, as I am confused not about what to do, but about why I do the things that ultimately hurt me and others in the mix, I need your grace. Help me to learn to love you more and to love myself as your child. Help it all to make sense as I live today in your presence. Amen.