Devotion #4: It Is a Matter of the Heart

“For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” Romans 2:25-29 

We have come to a very interesting and important passage in our study of Romans. God had ordained circumcision in the Old Testament to set His people apart from the other nations, and now the Jewish people wanted to require this command be placed on their Gentile brothers.  

So, how does Paul respond? With truth! You see, Paul wants to make a point that if you are outwardly obedient but inwardly a rebel, you are no better. If I raise my hands to worship and look the part but on the inside have a heart that hates God’s Law and I only put on a show for my church or peers, then I have missed the whole point. The purpose of circumcision was to set them apart from the world. As Christians, we have something different that sets us apart. 

What is it you ask? Well, it is love.  

John 13:35 says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  

We also see this in 1 John 3:10, “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” 

Here is where we need to ask ourselves a few questions:  

1. Are we more concerned with the traditions and practices we prefer, or are we focused on the heart of those traditions? 

2. Specifically, are we set apart by our love for one another? 

3. What are things that we allow to get in the way of the heart of the Law and get in the way of fellowship? 

I feel the need to clarify. I am not suggesting that we do away with the Bible or the stances it has on sin, truth, or the Gospel. If you read the rest of Romans, you will see that we cannot make that argument. However, I am saying that my view on how we should worship, what color carpet we should have, or even what Christmas songs we sing this December is not the Law and should be held with open hands with a focus on the love of the brothers and sisters. We follow God’s Word; where it is clear, we do not budge, but our default should always be love. That is how we are to be set apart from the rest of the world, just like God once set apart Israel. We will be known by our love.