There Is No Partiality With God

“For there is no partiality with God. For all who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous before God, but those who do the law will be declared righteous. For whenever the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things required by the law, these who do not have the law are a law to themselves. They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, on the day when God will judge the secrets of human hearts, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:11-16 NET

God’s love is beautifully impartial, shining equally on everyone, regardless of background. This truth resonates throughout the scriptures! Both Jews and Gentiles share in our common humanity, as we’ve all sinned and missed the mark. The purpose of the law is to guide us, reminding us that no amount of effort or good deeds can win God’s favor. Instead, it’s about nurturing a heartfelt relationship with God, going beyond just ticking boxes. This perspective encourages us to pursue a more profound connection, highlighting that our sincere desire for God is what truly counts.

Understanding God’s judgment is truly enlightening! It’s about uncovering the barriers and strongholds that keep people from drawing closer to Him. His judgment is not about punitive punishment. Remember, He judges the sin, not the sinner. This is why Jesus challenged the Pharisees; their actions prevented many from experiencing God’s freedom by knowing His mercy and grace.

Paul beautifully shares that even those without the formal law are often guided by their conscience and find themselves close to God! When individuals follow their hearts and listen to their conscience in discerning right from wrong, they reflect a deep connection to God’s heart. This perspective is so hopeful and uplifting! It reminds us that a sincere desire for a relationship with God transcends mere adherence to rules. Embracing this truth brings us all closer to the loving presence of God.

We all encounter personal challenges or habits that can strain our connection with God. Yet, when we acknowledge these barriers, Jesus can transform them into powerful opportunities for growth! By entrusting our difficulties to God’s boundless love, we invite transformation, allowing Him to reshape our struggles into beautiful pathways of grace and forgiveness. For Christians, sin doesn’t define us; our true identities are rooted in Christ. Instead of hindrances, our shortcomings become moments of opportunity to lean on Jesus’ love and rise above our challenges. We can embrace this journey with joy and confidence, knowing that each obstacle is a stepping stone toward deeper faith and understanding.

In today’s world, there’s an inspiring movement to redefine “sin” by broadening its scope to include various behaviors through the more relatable concept of “addiction.” Interestingly, this idea has its roots in ancient Rome, where the word “addictus” referred to someone caught in a cycle of debt, bound to a creditor like a slave until the debt was settled. Understanding this historical context sheds light on the significant impact of addiction in our lives.

Just like sin, addiction can entrap us in a cycle that feels like bondage, leaving us feeling indebted to something that seems insurmountable. However, this connection highlights an excellent opportunity for growth! It emphasizes the need to view addiction not just as a mere behavioral challenge, but as a vital spiritual journey that deserves our compassion and immediate attention. By embracing this perspective, we can foster understanding, healing, and support for one another, paving the way for a brighter future. We can trust Jesus to break these chains and empower us and our communities to overcome and thrive!

Addiction to a substance like drugs or alcohol can feel the same way; our minds develop the need to find peace amid the turmoil of our lives, so we seek the immediate pleasure these substances can offer us. Unfortunately, our brains require balance (homeostasis) to offset the dopamine rush, which gives us pleasure by creating this longing or addiction for more and more. This can bring about periods of hangover or withdrawal, which can be excruciatingly painful and difficult to work through.

Sexual addiction can be similar and can sometimes stem from unresolved childhood trauma or challenges with our sexual identity; it often serves to cope with feelings of abandonment and fear. It’s easy to be influenced by negative forces, but here’s the uplifting news: Jesus Christ offers a remarkable solution to our struggles! When we invite Him into our lives, we experience transformation, gaining a new heart and spirit. The journey continues as our minds are actively renewed. The Greek word ‘anakainosis’ beautifully captures this process, representing a complete transformation and fresh way of thinking, which means a full exchange, rebirth, or regeneration of our minds (or way of thinking); Paul describes this as putting on the mind of Christ or letting this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus. As fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we can embark on this path of healing and renewal, filled with hope and joy!

Paul’s message shines with hope and encouragement! Although sin may knock at our door, we are never without the loving embrace of God, who empowers us to see Him as our ultimate Friend in overcoming sin and addiction. It’s important to acknowledge that while we might face setbacks and relapses, these moments do not define our worth to Him—our identity is anchored in Jesus. By embracing this truth, we can transform setbacks into opportunities for personal growth and resilience. While the challenges we face may try to hold us back, Jesus, our steadfast champion, is always there to lift us up, reminding us of our esteemed place by His side in the heavenly realms. He views us not as failures, but as cherished friends and co-heirs in His magnificent kingdom. Let’s celebrate this incredible journey together, knowing each step brings us closer to freedom and fulfillment!

Stephen Barnett