Romans 11:28-32 – “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, ²⁹ for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. ³⁰ Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, ³¹ so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. ³² For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was reminded of God’s love for the nation of Israel and His desire for us to be transformed into one body in perfect unity. (Romans 11:19-32)

God’s desire for His people to become formed into one body with no middle wall of partition separating us.   He wants transformation into Him, which prevents conformation to the flesh and world (Romans 12:1-2).

In Romans 12:4-5, we are reminded that the Body of Christ has many different-looking and functioning parts, just as the human body does. But all for the purpose of health, life, and fluid function.

In Romans 12:6-8, we have a short list (enough to paint the picture) of Grace Gifts or Functions. In vv. 9-10, we have a picture of Agape in personal interaction.

Romans 12:11-16 gives us a pattern for life!  How we see others is filtered through the grid of how we see Jesus and ourselves.  If we are filled with ourselves, we cannot follow the directive of scripture regarding others. If we are dead to ourselves but alive to Him, we cannot disobey because Christ in us will respond as Christ Himself.   That includes making personal convictions universal laws. (Romans 14:13-19).

Romans 15:1 is arresting! “We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not seek to please ourselves.”   Unity cannot come if we make personal convictions universal laws. Judgmentalism divides, and a house divided against itself cannot stand. Being one with Jesus and one with the body opens the door for the power of God to flow freely.

Today is a day of revealing and release. Let’s move under the spout where the glory comes out!