For many years the words of Romans 3:9-20 raised uneasy questions in my mind. I had no trouble seeing those verses as describing the selfishness, cruelty, immorality, crime, and conflict of our society. But the harsh words didn't seem to fit most of the people I knew, including many non-Christians. They often did kind deeds, spoke truthfully, tried to avoid conflict, and showed respect for me and my faith. It didn't seem right to describe them as being "unprofitable" (v.12), as having the "poison of asps . . . under their lips" (v.13), or as being "swift to shed blood" (v.15).

Today, however, I see these verses as an accurate portrayal of my own heart and even the best people I know. I recognize that the seed of every evil depicted here is present in my selfishness and pride, and it's only because of God's grace that I have not become an evil monster.

If we are honest, we can agree with French preacher Adolphe Monod (1802-1856). He had a good understanding of God's holiness and his own sinfulness. Yet, facing death and the prospect of meeting his Lord, he said Romans 3 was "the truest portrait ever painted of my own natural heart."

That could be said of all of us. How thankful we can be for God's wonderful grace!  — Herbert Vander Lugt