Scripture Memory Verse for March

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24)

Disturbing fact for today: We are all sinful people. Keyword: ALL. Not only some people, but all – everyone of us!

Crazy. I know. There was only one human who walked this earth and did it, not just well, but perfectly! He never lied. He never cheated. He never stole anything from anyone. He honored His earthly father and mother – and His heavenly Father. Everything He did was perfect, and His name was Jesus. 

Let’s break down our passage:

• First, we see the words: “For all.” That means everybody! Every single one of us has sinned. You have probably sinned this week – maybe even today! We are not in any way perfect, and we do not deserve all that God provides for us.
• Next we see the words: “fall short of the glory of God.” Because of our sin, there is a large brick wall blocking a relationship between God and us (sinners). 
• Finally Paul writes: “they are justified freely by his grace as a gift.” Justice implies wrath, punishment, and separation; and we know that God is just. But in His justice, He is also gracious; and His grace provides mercy, salvation, and fellowship. 

God, through His grace, sent the perfect gift of Jesus Christ to bear the wrath in order that we might receive mercy. We are justified freely because of God’s gift that paid the ultimate price for us. This broke down that brick wall and gave us a clear path to God.

I encourage you to take time throughout the month of March to intentionally meditate on this verse – get it into your mind and heart (memorize it, if you haven’t already). We’ve all heard this familiar passage, but it weighs a ton. God sent His Son, a perfect human, to die a painful death so that you and I might receive mercy. I don’t know about you, but that’s a love that brings tears to my eyes.

By Raegan Peterson

Raegan is a student at the University of Kentucky.