In asserting that faith is the only way to become righteous before God, Paul leaves no room for legalism. In vs. 6, Paul says the righteousness that comes by faith keeps us from concerning ourselves with who’s on their way to heaven and who’s heading in the other direction. He goes on to say, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
In what ways does legalism creep into your thinking? Who are the people you are tempted to think are outside the bounds of God’s love? How do you respond to the idea that the fruit of your faithfulness is the outcome of your salvation rather than the reason for it? What is your motivation for living a life of kindness, goodness, and generosity?
In prayer, ask the Spirit to help you search your heart for any attitudes of self-righteousness or pride. Imagine relinquishing those attitudes to Christ and being transformed by the promise of forgiveness.